Nairn views sought over woodland housing plan
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A NAIRN community council is seeking people’s views on plans for 15 homes in woodland off Sandown Road.
Highland Council is considering the application from Bill and Suzanne MacLeod for a 2.6 hectare site at a place known as Fort Reay after the cottage there, and a decision is likely in the spring.
Although living in Kent, Mr MacLeod was brought up locally and has family in the area says background papers.
Nairn West and Suburban Community Council is a statutory consultee, and it has been granted an extension to its comment deadline until February 28 to meet and discuss the plan before it goes to members of Highland Council.
In the meantime the community council has urged the public to get in touch if they have a view.
As well as the new homes, the application seeks permission to demolish the existing cottage and carry out “woodland improvements, landscape, access, paths and all associated services, surface and foul drainage.”
In their design statement agents ABC Planning and Design say: “We believe the future of Fort Reay should be defined by nature and our approach will secure and enhance biodiversity and the long-term integrity of the woodland in a way that can be shared and enjoyed by all.”
It adds that the layout will position homes between the trees to maximise solar gain. Air source heat pumps are proposed for each house to provide heat and hot water from a renewable source.
A mix of homes that offer new ways of living for people of all ages is the aim says the report, embracing “multi-generational living to make Fort Reay a vibrant and neighbourly place to live.”
There has been considerable consultation over the plan. Concerns raised include surface water drainage, sewage and access from Sandown Road. The developer plans to make larger and safer passing places on the road, and support any 20mph initiative.
