Planning committee set to decide on phase 2 of Team Hamish's Nairn Links development next week

PLANS to revitalise the Nairn Links with a new social gathering area may step forward as the application for a new phase of the development will go in front of the planning committee next week.

Team Hamish, a campaign set up in memory of local youngster Hamish Hey, might see phase two of its project go ahead as the area planning manager has recommended to grant the application.

This involves the creation of new footpaths and creating bespoke seating in the area near Marine Road.

A number of residents have objected to the application, raising concerns about the potential for live performances to cause a noise nuisance and for the seating area to become a meeting point for anti-social behaviour.

Parking was also a matter of concern among those who objected.

however, the report states that the environmental health department recommended the inclusion of a condition for the submission of a noise management plan to set out proposals to reduce the impact of noise coming from the development.

The report which will be presented to the South Planning Committee states: "The issue of anti-social behaviour is not a material planning consideration and would be a matter for Police Scotland. A number of letters of representations suggested that the bandstand would be a better location for such a facility. The

Planning Authority must determine the application as submitted and cannot comment on the suitability of other sites without the submission of a formal planning application."

In January the project received a funding boost from Highland Council’s Nairnshire committee with £54,790 allocated from the coastal communities fund and place-based investment fund.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.