Drainage concerns prompt objection to plan to build industrial units in Nairn
The lack of a drainage plan has prompted a new objection to an application seeking to build seven industrial units in Nairn.
A proposal by Space MGM LLP to create seven “starter industrial units” on land near the A96 and Balmakeith Industrial Estate was lodged in August, sparking mixed responses among the local community.
Although many welcomed the proposal as a much-needed opportunity to boost Nairn’s economy and support business growth, detractors of the plans say the development would harm a “valuable” green space.
The community response was divided with 11 comments supporting the application and nine against it.
In a new consultee response, the Flood Risk Management Team has now objected to the application stating that, although they have no concerns regarding flood risk at this location, the developer needs to provide a Drainage Impact Assessment (DIA) at this first stage of planning.
The comment states: “The DIA will need to detail how surface water runoff will be collected, treated and discharged in accordance with SUDS principles and include details of the proposed maintenance arrangements.
“Discharge shall be limited to the pre-development (greenfield) rate for a range of storms up to and including a one in 200 year plus climate change event which should be managed within the site without flooding to any of the buildings. The area of pluvial flood risk identified on the SEPA flood map will need to be considered including any potential inflows into this area from outwith the site. We object to the application until a suitable DIA is provided.”
Highland Council’s Forestry team responded to the consultation saying they had no objection to the application, provided the western part of the site is retained and managed for biodiversity and amenity value as well as other conditions to ensure the trees are protected during and after construction.
However a subsequent comment from Nairn River Community Council, who previously strongly objected the plans, called for a professional tree survey to be carried out on the site stating that parts of the forestry statement were incorrect.
The document, signed by NRCC chair Hamish Bain, states: “The removal of six Scots Pines, a protected species in Scotland, along the eastern side of the site, is not only significant, it would be disastrous.
“To suggest permission to allow this, even at the PIP stage, without a tree survey report would be grossly negligent and we believe, unprofessional.”
“Removal of six of the trees on the eastern would have a vastly significant impact on the amenity value of the area and by cutting a gap in the tree corridor would have a significant impact on the green network and the wildlife that depends on them for food and shelter.”
The consultation for the planning application is set to last until November 4.
Several support statements were also submitted by Nairn residents and other businesses, including Scott Murray of Cru Holdings, who wrote: “Having owned and operated businesses in the area for over 25 years, and having started in a similar style of unit through in Elgin, I have always thought that there was a real lack of space to allow small scale businesses to start up affordable.
“Elgin and Forres both enjoy a number of options for these types of business, and I do feel that Nairn is lacking, which could potentially have a negative effect on the local area - both economically, and in terms of opportunity. In short, I think it is a great idea, and I fully support your plans. I hope that the local planning authority and stakeholders feel the same.”
