Opinions divided on plans for new business units in Nairn on land near A96
Plans to create new industrial units in Nairn appear to have split local opinion, with a series of comments both in favour and against the development now having been lodged.
As previously reported, Space MGM LLP is seeking permission in principle for the creation of seven units to be built next to the A96, beside the Balmakeith Industrial Estate.
It says the units will be of similar scale to those on the existing estate and will help support increasing demand from businesses, contributing to the economic growth of Nairn.
Since a consultation was opened on the application, 11 comments have been lodged in support of the application - however nine objections have now also been raised, with Nairn River Community Council agreeing to lodge a tenth at their most recent meeting last week.
Those objecting to the development argue that the area should be kept as a “designated green space”, calling for the creation of industrial spaces to be considered for elsewhere.
In its objection, community development body NICE (Nairn Improvement Community Enterprise) stated: “The Nairnshire community-led Local Place Plan shows clearly that the community identifies the land as described in the above reference as Green Space and Green Network. The LPP has recognised that there is ample space at the eastern end of the Balmakeith business park area to satisfy local unmet demand for new business units. The LPP has promoted the expansion of the Grigor Hill business site to include business units.”
Another objector, S Macdonald of Merryton, Nairn, added: “The area concerned is not suitable for industrial units, neither is it zoned for such a development. There is room at the other end of the industrial site which has not been developed and is further away from residential properties. The houses were built in the 1950s and noisy industrial businesses should never have been introduced to the area. The business site was originally built on Balmakeith farm land by The Highlands and Islands Development Board and intended for only small quiet businesses
“I would expect planners to respect this valuable amenity which benefits our environment by refusing this planning application as it contravenes planning policies.”
However, many others businesses and residents have supported the proposal saying the current provision of business space in the town is inadequate.
Respondent David Clark, said: “I know of several small businesses who have gone out of operation as they were unable to secure industrial units either in Nairn or Inverness. If we cannot approve industrial units within an industrial area then what chance do these businesses have?
”Those complaining of it being a designated green space should take into consideration the current ‘green spaces’ around the town,
“Nairn used to be a well-kept town with grass cut on all the approaches into it, it’s now turning into a complete eyesore with unkept verges and communal areas.
“We live in an area with vast amounts of green space Within the town the emphasis should be on providing much needed industrial units within the industrial areas as opposed to further tranches of unkept land.”
