Developer Springfield Properties launches ambitious bid to build on a massive unzoned site in the south of Nairn that encompasses the local business park
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Housing developer Springfield Properties has launched an ambitious bid to build on a massive unzoned 146 hectare site in Nairn that encompasses the local business park.
A proposal of application notice has been submitted, effectively launching the planning process, with a full submission expected in the coming months.
The plan is for a mixed-use development of residential, business, retail and community facilities including a new school site and supporting infrastructure.
However, the mostly arable site is not zoned in the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan – the council’s masterplan for development in the area.
The application did not state just how many homes or retail units Springfield is intending to build, but it provided a detailed description of the location.
To the north, the site boundary includes part of the A96 and adjoins the existing retail park as well as an existing residential area on Balmakeith Park and Nairn Cemetery.
Residents there would likely be included in the consultation mail drop which will extend 500 metres beyond the proposed development area.
To the east, the site includes the B9111 junction onto the A96 joining an area of forestry – Russell’s Wood.
That is likely to provoke local concerns about the already congested A96 amid frustrations with the stalled dualling project from Inverness to Aberdeen.
To the south it meets an existing sawmill and part of Granny Barbour’s Road, while to the west the site is bounded by and includes the A939 and follows the River Nairn.
That could prove to be an issue for planners as it emerged that it is the only area that is susceptible to flooding – falling within the one-in-200 year fluvial flood event.
To the south-eastern perimeter, however, the site also falls marginally within the Historic Battlefield of Auldearn where on May 9, 1645 Scottish Royalists defeated the forces of the Scottish Parliament.
The matter will be considered for initial comments by councillors at today’s meeting of the south planning applications committee.
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