A divisive housing development in Moray’s biggest town will be settled by a public hearing next month.
Springfield Properties wants to chop down 70 pine trees to create 16 new homes at Waulkmill Grove in Elgin.
Initially, the firm wanted to build 19 but was forced to cut that number due to concerns about the reduction of green space in the town.
Elgin City North councillor Patsy Gowans said: “Pinefield is already pretty built up. It’s important that concerns about the loss of open spaces are taken into consideration.
“Any new development will have to take into account designing better streets – developments in the 1960s caused an increase in anti-social behaviour because it created dark lanes between houses.
“Council officers don’t always knock doors with these developments, so it gives residents the feeling they are not being listened to.”
Moray Council will now settle the proposals with a special planning committee meeting on March 17 where protestors will be given their chance to speak.
The plan, which includes 12 affordable houses and four flats, has been met with 11 letters of objection from residents near the proposed site. However, last night views were mixed amongst locals.
One woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “There is lots of space for houses around Elgin. I don’t know why they need to squeeze them in here instead of outside the town.
“It’s going to take away all the space for parking. They’re going to need to look at a multi-storey car park.”
Her neighbour said: “You’re never going to stop change. Houses are needed at the moment. They have to build them somewhere.”
Drawings submitted by Springfield show parking spaces will be provided for the new houses as well as new cycle paths.
A report prepared for the meeting by the council’s planning department explains the existing attractive pine trees now “pose risks” to people and homes and the estate would benefit from fresh planting.
Springfield’s land manager Kenny Shand said: “We welcome the planning report recommending approval of two, three and four-bedroom homes just off Stonecross in Elgin. These 16 homes will provide additional affordable housing in Moray.
“The development has been planned in a residential pocket on the edge of Elgin with local shops, health care facilities and access to bus and rail routes.”
