Plans to build affordable houses in Moray’s biggest town have been thrown out following impassioned pleas from residents.
A hearing was held by Moray Council yesterday to discuss proposals from Springfield Properties to build 16 new homes at Stonecross Hill in Elgin.
But after more than an hour of discussions the development was unanimously rejected due on the grounds it breached council policy.
Planners from Springfield argued the houses would improve the area by felling dozens of dangerous Scots pine trees.
However, locals addressing the meeting of the council’s planning committee argued the development would destroy their neighbourhood with concerns about a lack of parking spaces repeatedly made during the discussions.
Waulkmill Grove resident Paula Campbell added: “Lots of us that stay there have children. We bought the houses because our children can play at the back.
“I don’t want to live where my children have to go five or 10 minutes away to get to a play park. The safety of my children has to come first.”
The public hearing was called due to the housing development being proposed for a site that was not designated for residential use.
Springfield’s plans included 10 three-bedroom terraced houses, two four-bedroom homes and four one-bedroom flats.
Planner Joe Geoghegan from the firm said the development would have created a “safe and welcoming” area and replacement trees would have been planted at Bain Avenue.
But Stonecross Hill resident David McKay argued the trees were an important feature and needed to be retained.
He said: “Bad management caused the pine trees to lose their protection. Why should we lose them just so the residents of
Bain Avenue can benefit? Once green space is gone then it’s gone.”
Elgin City South councillor Graham Leadbitter said: “Green spaces is one of the things I like most about living in Elgin. I’m worried about anything that proposed we lose it.
“It’s important to have good quality green space but I don’t agree that’s a reason to get rid of it if it’s not.”
Elgin City North councillor Patsy Gowans was concerned that allowing the trees to be cleared for homes could have set a dangerous precedent.
She said: “If committee had not set an example then which protected green area in the current local development plan would be next? This is an excellent outcome.”
