Moray Council will act to prevent swathes of the region’s countryside becoming “overwhelmed” by new housing.
Planning chiefs warned councillors that current guidelines need to be upgraded to safeguard traditional rural areas from becoming “suburbanised”.
During a meeting of the council’s planning committee yesterday, members agreed to beef up its current policies.
A recent study highlighted Archiestown, Birnie, Craigellachie, Letterfourie, Miltonhill, Mosstowie, Rafford and Roseisle as all being in need of attention.
Planning officer Emma Gordon, explained that build-up had become “unacceptable” in those areas.
She said: “There are a number of places where the presence of new housing overwhelms that of traditional buildings in the landscape.
“The first step in addressing this, is changing the council’s policy.”
Members agreed to undertake workshops on where in the countryside future housing applications might be deemed acceptable.
And plans to reshape the procedures will be put out to public consultation.
Speyside Glenlivet councillor, Mike McConnachie, said many residents welcomed the economic boost provided by settlers moving to Moray and establishing new homes for themselves in remote spots.
He added: “Some might feel that we need more rural housing, and hopefully those people will make their views heard.
“And a lack of housing in the countryside could affect the viability of our rural schools.”
