Plans have been approved to build the first 'affordable' housing development in Staffin for almost 20 years.

A total of six new three-bedroom houses will be developed on a common grazing tenanted by the Stenscholl crofting township, including business units and a storage facility.

Designed by Portree-based architect firm Rural Design, Staffin Community Trust (SCT) is working in partnership with the Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust (HSCHT) and Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association (LSHA) to deliver the new 'affordable' homes, which would be the first built in the area since 1999 when the site at the old school was developed.

Talks have been held with NHS Highland about the potential relocation of the Staffin Surgery to the site, while SCT said there is "still plenty of work" ahead for the Trust and its partners before construction works get underway.

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SCT chairman Sandy Ogilvie said: "The granting of this planning permission is a significant step in what is a game changing project for the Staffin community. Affordable housing is at the heart of any rural community and this development will kick start future plans to reverse the population decline and build a community with growth, aspiration and stability."

HSCHT Chief Executive, Ronnie MacRae, said: "HSCHT is delighted that SCT has persevered and acquired planning permission for this exciting mixed-use project. The process has been a lengthy one but will now deliver much needed affordable housing through a range of tenures along with other economic and social elements to strengthen the community. SCT is delivering an exemplar project which is demonstrating strong partnership working that will benefit the wider community whilst also leading the way in enacting the benefits of Scottish Government's new community empowerment initiatives."

Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes, who wrote a letter in support of the planning application, said: "This is tremendously good news. Everybody knows that housing is one of the greatest pressures on Skye. Staffin Community Trust recognised that population decline was, in part at least, due to the lack of affordable housing. I think the work that they have done to take the community with them and apply for planning permission has been done exceedingly well.

"Despite occasional setbacks, I think there has been a lot of hopefulness that this project will be successful. I have supported it from the start and look forward to seeing the first family move into one of these affordable homes."

(LM/MH)