Attempts to resolve the controversy surrounding plans for a 90-bed private care home at Fort William in Lochabre took a step forward this week with the confirmation of a set date for a public enquiry into the expansion.

KGS Care and Apollo Capital Projects already have permission for a 60-bed home but have since expressed a desire to extend the facility further. This extension has failed to find favour among Lochaber councillors and has drawn criticism because of the extra demand such a facility would place on existing health and social services.

According to the two companies the larger 90-bed unit would create up to 110 employment opportunities, from administration vacancies to 'frontline' domiciliary care jobs. They also claim it would represent a £6m investment in the local economy.

However, the planning committee refused consent for the increase in bed capacity in July 2009, forcing the companies to lodge an appeal with the Scottish Government. This appeal will now be heard on the 24th of March at the council's Lochaber House chamber in Fort William.