The construction of 12 affordable homes in Leverburgh has taken another step forward with the submission of a planning screening request to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

Tighean Innse Gall is requesting the Comhairle’s opinion on whether the Ferry Road housing development requires a full Environmental Impact Assessment.

Tighean Innse Gall proposes to develop the 2.36-hectare Ferry Road site over two phases and erect 12 single-storey semi-detached houses with air source heat pumps.

In their supporting information, Tighean Innse Gall states that the Leverburgh housing development forms a strategic part of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan.

It continues: “The development is important to the local community who have campaigned for new affordable housing in the area. This is largely due to the residents of the area being priced out of the private housing market, which has a high demand for holiday accommodation and second home ownership. As such, this site has been identified as one of the few areas of land available in South Harris for social housing.”

The site is adjacent to the Leverburgh industrial estate and was once part of the Leverhulme development of the port.