New retail store and community gardens approved

Councillors have approved plans for a retail store and allotments near Smithton, Inverness.

Household goods chain Home Bargains is expected to run the 3,252 sq-metre shop, garden centre and café.

Another 4,900 sq metres of land on the same site would be used for community allotments.

A vote on the proposal at Highland Council's south planning applications committee was tied 8-8 before the chairman vote in favour with the deciding vote.