Public inquiry to begin into plans for 550 homes on edge of Nairn
By Iain Ramage and Jonny Muir
Published: 01/03/2010
A public inquiry begins tomorrow into a developer’s proposals for 550 homes at Sandown on the western edge of Nairn.
The hearing, expected to take five or six days, will consider Deveron Highland’s appeal against Highland Council’s rejection last May of its £100million plans.
Scottish Government reporter Malcolm Mahony will oversee the inquiry.
Councillors have registered concerns that Nairn’s existing infrastructure would be unable to cope with such a population influx.
Local councillor Sandy Park, the authority’s convener, has warned that services in the town are already “creaking at the seams”.
Deveron Highland spent two years and a six-figure sum developing the scheme in consultation with the council, whose rules demand that at least a quarter of the homes would have to be “affordable”.
The vision, including a business centre, community facilities and a wetland park, was opposed by local councillors, the Nairn Residents Concern Group and Nairn Golf Club, but has the support of Inverness Chamber of Commerce.
Following the rejection, Deveron claimed the decision sent out a negative message to other groups hoping to redevelop the A96 corridor between Inverness and Nairn.
Thousands of homes and upgrades have been earmarked for the 15-mile route.
Speaking last year, Deveron Highland managing director Gordon Ramsay said: “This development can provide long-term growth for Nairn and sustainable growth for the local economy.
“Local shops and businesses can benefit from the steadily-growing population this development will bring.”
Brian Lynch, a member of Nairn Residents Concern Group, said yesterday: “We want to support Highland Council’s unanimous dismissal of the application.
“We have made a strong case in our written submission to the reporter and we believe it to be independent and the view of many people that live in Nairn.”