Nairn Bowling Club’s hopes for new clubhouse and facilities face objections from residents
Plans for a newly developed Nairn bowling club have split opinion within the community.
Nairn Bowling Club, currently based in Albert Street, lodged an application to create the new facility at the east end Nairn Showfield at the end of last year, seeking the green light to build a new clubhouse, as well as two bowling greens, with associated car parking and public routes.
However, the public consultation — which closed on June 20 — received a number of objections from local residents who said they are concerned about additional traffic and potential noise caused by activities at the club.
Local resident Colin MacGregor commented: “Firstly, a commercial bowling club simply does not belong in a residential area. Our neighbourhood is not a commercial entertainment venue.
“Such an establishment will inevitably introduce intolerable levels of noise pollution, extending late into the evenings, disrupting the sleep of residents.
“Furthermore, increased footfall, late night activity, a potential light spill, will irrevocably alter the peaceful ambience we cherish, transforming a residential street into a commercial thoroughfare.
”Secondly, the existing road infrastructure is wholly inadequate to cope with the significant increase in traffic that this facility would generate.
“Our local roads are already struggling, are simply not designed to handle the current volume of traffic, never mind additional usage.
“This development would inevitably lead to a dangerous escalation in vehicle movements, putting an unacceptable risk to pedestrians, cyclists and particularly children with this being a heavily used route for the two primary schools and secondary school.”
The proposal drew objections from both Nairn West and Suburban and Nairn River Community Councils back in February.
Nevertheless the plans have also received an amount of support from members of the public, arguing the new development would be a welcome addition to Nairn and would benefit other community groups in the area.
An amendment to the original plans was submitted at the end of May in response to feedback from the consultation, with a repositioning of the building, the removal of windows facing Waverley Road and Lodgehill Road and a reduction of the height of the building to just over eight metres, as well as a shadowing study being carried out.
Commenting on the objections raised to the plans, club development officer Bob Ferenth said they are working to mitigate some of the issues raised during the consultation.
“One of our goals is, and always has been, to be good neighbours,” he stated.
“We’re actively collaborating with our architects and have taken on board the constructive feedback we've received. As a result, we've revised our original proposal. In response to local concerns about traffic, we've also commissioned an independent survey to provide clear, factual insights into both vehicle and pedestrian flow in the area.”
He emphasised that worries around noise and anti-social behaviour are misplaced.
“The activities we’re proposing — including bowling — are quiet, family-friendly, and unlikely to cause any disruption to the neighbourhood,” he said.
“Our broader vision is to create a welcoming community hub — a place where people can come together, discover the benefits of bowling, and where local groups can access affordable spaces.
“We’ve been proud to be responsible neighbours on Albert Street for many years, and we are committed to bringing that same spirit to Lodgehill Road.”
