MoD consulted on plans for 250 new Highland homes

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been consulted on plans for 250 new homes in Easter Ross due to a nearby weapons range.

Developer Cairngorm Properties has proposed building the homes in Tain in six phases over about 11 years.

Highland Council officials have recommended that councillors grant the project planning permission in principle.

The MoD's main concern is around the creation of new habitats that could attract flocks of birds - a potential collision hazard to low-flying aircraft, according to a council report.

The MoD has raised no objection to the planning application after carrying out a birdstrike assessment.

It could be consulted in the future over proposed landscaping at the housing development.

Cairngorm Properties' site is on land at Knockbreck Road, near Tain's Asda supermarket.

The development would include a mix of properties, including two-storey houses and three-storey flats.

Councillors have been asked to approve the project at a meeting next week.

The MoD was among organisations consulted due to its Tain Air Weapons Range (AWR).

The large range, next to the town on the Dornoch Firth, is used for training UK and Nato aircraft crews and also ground troops.

A birdstrike is when birds and aircraft accidently collide, killing or injuring the birds and potentially damaging the aircraft.