Future of Nairn Showfield at centre of community debate over Nairn Bowling Club’s planning application for new clubhouse
A packed public meeting in Nairn last week highlighted growing debate over controversial plans to build new bowling facilities at the Showfield.
The meeting, hosted by Nairn West and Suburban Community Council, drew a strong turnout to discuss the planning application and design, including members of the newly launched Save Our Showfield (SOS) campaign group, representatives from Nairn River Community Council, and Nairn and Cawdor Councillor Barbara Jarvie.
While no members from the Nairn Bowling Club and the Farming Society were present at the meeting, Paul MacDonald of CRGP attended as the club’s appointed agent. The bowling club has since responded through its development officer, Bob Ferenth, who defended the project and set out its aims.
The proposed new clubhouse, currently located on Albert Street, would feature two outdoor greens, an indoor short-carpet green, a bar, crèche facilities and a function space. According to the developer, the investment will allow bowls to be played year-round in Nairn while also offering “affordable space for small community groups, charities, and local organisations, which will support both its financial and social sustainability.”
Since the planning application was first lodged in November 2024, it has attracted significant attention locally, with almost 80 objections compared to around 23 comments in support.
At last week’s meeting, residents voiced frustration over what they described as a lack of genuine consultation. They argued that references in the planning documents to a “holistic approach” had not been reflected in practice.
The legal status of the Showfield also came under scrutiny. A 1928 deed of sale, presented by the SOS group, states the field should remain open and that no building should be erected without consent from the original landowner’s successor, raising questions around whether the development should be allowed to progress.
Other speakers highlighted issues with the Local Development Plan. Loreine Thompson of Nairn River Community Council, claimed that according to the current local plan, the site is designated for housing, not mixed use: “It does not have any class for food, drink or assembly and amenity.”
There were also strong feelings over the loss of open space. Brian Stewart, Nairn River associate member said: “It is one of the few remaining green spaces in this town. Any urban dweller values the right to have access to green space without having to pay an entry ticket or buy a membership card.
“It is a wider issue of significance to the town as to whether or not the Showfield is preserved and protected as green space for everybody to use for recreation or not.”
Traffic and safety were also major issues. At the meeting, Colin McGregor of SOS shared a formal objection submitted by Rosebank Primary head teacher, Jamie Forsyth. The letter warned that pupils already face risks crossing Lodge Hill and Waverley Road due to poor pavements, a lack of bilateral pavements, parked cars and compromised visibility. He said these dangers would be “amplified” if traffic flow increases as a result of the development. Mr McGregor added he felt these dangers had been “ignored”.
Others questioned why pedestrian use was not recorded alongside vehicular traffic in the traffic surveys.
Mr Ferenth has since defended the proposed development as “more than just a bowling club”, highlighting its role in promoting health, wellbeing, and social connection.
He stated the club had not previously been aware of the exact wording of the Showfield deed — but stressed it would comply with all legal requirements.
He said: “As the land is owned by the Nairnshire Farming Society, any ownership conditions or restrictions are a matter for them as landowner. The club will, of course, work fully within any legal framework required by both the landowner and the planning authority.”
On traffic concerns, Mr Ferenth said the surveys were carried out by an independent consultancy in line with Highland Council’s planning requirements, and the club would cooperate with any further assessments if the road network changes.
He said: “The methodology and timing were approved by the Council’s transport officers.
“Should future changes to the local road network — such as pedestrianisation or a bus gate — be implemented, the Council will decide on any required mitigation. The club is happy to cooperate with any further assessments the Council deems appropriate.”
Mr Ferenth also rejected claims of a lack of transparency, insisting the club had engaged fully with the community.
He said: “The club shared its intentions through the statutory planning process and engaged with a broad range of stakeholders. This included a detailed presentation of our proposed new facilities as part of the public consultation for the Nairn and Nairnshire Place Plan - a process publicised to every household in the area to encourage public participation and input.”
He said the Local Place Plan had been considered in the Bowling Club proposal and has since been endorsed by the community, NICE, and all Nairn and Nairnshire Community Councils.
However, Carolin Forsyth, a SOS representative, disputed this at the meeting, saying: “There was no prior consultation with local residents, and the potential negative impact that this development could have, not just on those who are forced into being its immediate neighbours, but upon the wider community of Nairn, have not been adequately addressed.”
Mr Ferenth also defended the scale of the development, noting that the facilities would meet national standards, and have been endorsed by Bowls Scotland.
He added that the facilities would revive popular Pro-Am events — where amateurs compete alongside professionals — previously not possible at Albert Street, while supporting regional competitions.
“While bowls is our core activity, the new facility will also serve as a versatile community venue”, he said. “Our goal is to create a resource that benefits both our members and the wider Nairn community, offering space for sport, community events, and social activities at a cost that local small groups can afford.
“Nairn Bowling Club is all about people and community. It has been a cornerstone of local life for generations, providing a welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities can come together through sport and friendship.”
The application remains under consideration by Highland Council.