A property developer has launched a bid to overturn the rejection of its housing plans in Moray – by claiming there is an overwhelming demand for affordable homes in the town.
Springfield Properties’ proposal to create 16 homes at Stonecross Hill in Elgin were unanimously thrown out by Moray Council in March amid fears it would turn the area into a car park.
Impassioned pleas from residents persuaded the planning committee to block the plans that would have led to dozens of Scots pine trees being felled.
But now, Springfield has appealed to the Scottish Government to have the decision reversed so the homes can be built.
Appeal documents submitted by the company stress the need for more than 400 extra affordable homes in Elgin over the next decade to keep up with demand.
The firm stated: “We would stress the clear and pressing need for affordable housing as a significant public benefit.
“Scottish Government targets nationally give a clear commitment to increase and accelerate the supply of new affordable homes, mirrored by a more local-level drive to increase the construction of new affordable homes.
“The housing would be wholly affordable and with a housing association committed to the development, it is assured to go ahead if planning permission is granted.
“The need for affordable housing in communities in Elgin is a significant determinant and one in great need.”
Moray Council’s planning committee debated the application for 12 houses and four flats for more than an hour after listening to heartfelt pleas from locals to preserve the pocket of woodland in Elgin.
Concerns were also raised about access roads to the site already being congested with parked cars at evenings and weekends.
Other residents argued the trees were an important feature of the neighbourhood and needed to be preserved.
Waulkmill Grove resident Paula Campbell was concerned the loss of play equipment would make the area a less attractive area to stay in.
She said: “Lots of us who stay there have children. We bought the houses because our children can play at the back.
“I don’t want to live in a place where my children have to go five or 10 minutes away to get to a play park. The safety of my children comes first.”
