Team Hamish plans for Nairn Links gets the green light from Highland Council
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Plans from a charitable organisation named Team Hamish to revitalise the Nairn Links with a new social gathering have been unanimously and warmly agreed by Highland Council.
Team Hamish, a campaign set up in memory of local youngster Hamish Hey, got the go-ahead for phase two of its project after their proposals for the creation of new footpaths and creating a bespoke seating area near Marine Road.
The application was recommended for approval despite a number of residents objecting over concerns that potential live performances could cause noise pollution and for the seating area to become a meeting point for anti-social behaviour.
Parking was also a matter of concern but the on the plan report stated the environmental health department recommended the inclusion of a condition for the submission of a noise management plan.
Nairn Councillor Laurie Fraser was enthusiastic about the project and its benefits saying: “It is a very, very positive development for the town. It has been well received. It is all fundraised by a local charity called Team Hamish.
“It is an add-on to the splash park, I think it will be colourful, it will be vibrant and it will be a big improvement on what is a tired area – the crazy golf is looking a bit done.
“I share the concerns of the residents of the flats but I don’t think they will be too bothered by the noise, there appears to be a noise management plan in place and I think that will address most of the concerns.
“They have all got their own garages there for vehicles so I don’t think parking is going to be a problem – they have got their own balconies so they can sit out there at night with a glass of wine and watch the performances that may appear.
“I think it is a good add-on for the town and I am very supportive of this project.”
The report to the south planning committee agreed the proposals stated: "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.
