A96 bypass at heart of proposed Local Place Plan for Nairnshire
People in Nairnshire are being encouraged to have their say on a newly-published vision for the area.
The proposed Local Place Plan for Nairn looks at the town and surrounding area as it is now and considers the challenges ahead - from changing housing needs to addressing the climate emergency as well as attracting a younger population.
It also examines the potential implications of the long-awaited A96 bypass such as unlocking opportunities for business and homes and says it should play a significant role in decarbonizing transport in the region and creating a much more liveable location.
The LPP steering group has published the plan after several months of consultation and work with the communities in Nairnshire which are being invited to comment on it by Friday August 16.
The final edition is to be published and submitted to Highland Council by September 27.
Nairn Local Place Plan set to be published
Nairnshire communities invited to join in conversation on plan
The plan explores five themes - sustainable Nairn, jobs and business, town and village centres, green space and leisure and getting around.
In the document’s foreword, Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing says the plan looks at things as they are and forward to what they may be.
“It’s clear the plan is based upon the Nairn bypass alleviating the congestion problems that have become so acute and a problem in so many ways,” he states.
“Not everyone agreed with the line of the bypass – I know some bitterly opposed it.
“But it has eventually been agreed after the long planning process, and at a recent public meeting I attended, it was clear that the overwhelming majority of Nairn folk now just want it done – and an end to the seemingly endless delays that I have challenged and will again as necessary.”
He continues that the plan does not seek for Nairn to lose its character.
“It does not want to become an industrial town, nor a retirement town; nor a mere satellite of Inverness,” he says.
“It seeks organic growth; building upon existing strengths and the established local businesses that are valued by the community, and of course the building of the new school!”
The plan highlights changing demographics and workforce shortages.
In a survey of 110 high school students, for example, 58 per cent intended to leave Nairn immediately after leaving school. Of these, 59 per cent did not intend to return.
“Our young people see a shortage of jobs, leisure and retail opportunities as key to their future interest in staying in Nairn,” it states.
At the same time, the report observes there is a critical shortage of skilled workers to fill essential roles across all sectors.
“This gap hinders the ability of businesses to operate at full capacity and meet the demands of expansion,” it states.
“Challenges in attracting and retaining talent are exacerbated by factors such as housing availability, transportation, and access to training and development opportunities.
“In the hospitality sector, seasonal fluctuations and the demand for part-time versus full-time employment create instability and challenges in workforce planning.”
