A Forres landowner’s plan to build 12 houses in some ancient woodlands has been rejected.
Ray McDonald, who owns Forres Community Cafe, wanted to build the houses just off St Leonards Road on land near Cathay Care Home.
About 75 objections were received and a petition was launched by the Forres Community Woodlands Trust, which garnered over 100 signatures.
They were centred on disruption to protected species and established trees, potential flooding and an inadequate road network.
However, planning chiefs recommended the scheme for approval as the area has been labelled as an opportunity site in the local development plan.
They also pointed out that Mr McDonald had offered to replace the trees and build a cycle track to benefit the community.
But at planning and regulatory services committee yesterday, concerns about potential flooding and the impact on protected species were raised.
Donald Wright, of the Forres Community Woodlands Trust, urged councillors to reject the scheme based on the impact it would have on wildlife in the forest.
He said: “The development site in question, if approved, would create a three hectare (seven acre) ‘wedge’ of housing within a heavily wooded area collectively known as Muiry Woods.
“These woods have several owners including Forres Community Woodland Trust, Forres Common Good and four other private parties.
“The entire area is home to important flora and fauna, some of which are endangered species.
“Our view is that a development of this type would irreparably damage
a valuable woodland ecosystem resulting in a great loss of local natural heritage.”
Forres councillor Claire Feaver moved to reject the plans, and said there were still too many outstanding concerns.
She said: “This contravenes national and local planning rules and doesn’t follow the Scottish Government control of woodland policy.
“There has also been no site set aside for compensatory planting, I’m not convinced it was checked regarding paperwork and sewage and there is issues with access to land so it should be refused.”
Councillors voted in favour of her motion. Mr McDonald declined to comment last night.
