Plans for the first wave of houses that will form part of a 1,500-home development in Moray’s biggest town have been submitted – less than a week after a vision for 2,500 homes was approved.
Elgin will be significantly transformed over the next two decades with massive housing schemes in the north and south of the town.
Last night, the combined developments were hailed as ushering in the “next chapter” for the area, while calls were made to ensure the town’s transport system keeps up with the pace of construction.
Drawings have now been submitted to Moray Council by Pitgaveny Farms for up to 500 homes at Findrassie. Included in the extensive proposals are business opportunities for a hotel, shops, food and drink firms and a new primary school.
There are also plans for an outdoor amphitheatre for performances, playing fields and avenues of tree-lined streets.
Developers have described the new village as creating a “gateway” into the north of Elgin, with Findrassie Wood as a backdrop, while providing links to the town with existing cycle paths.
If planning permission in principal is granted, Pitgaveny Farms will begin negotiations with individual developers, who will submit final proposals for parcels of land.
It is expected that the first batch of homes will be built in blocks of 60 per year, which will conclude in 2025. Construction is expected to begin next year.
The Findrassie application for planning permission in principal comes less than a week after Moray Council approved a masterplan for the south of Elgin.
Yesterday, John Cowe, chairman of the council’s economic development and infrastructure committee, explained the developments would boost job prospects in the area.
And Mr Cowe agreed the vast housing schemes to the north and south of the town, combined with the 120-acre Barmuckity business park, would bring in a “new chapter” for Elgin.
He said: “We’re looking at a total of 4,000 houses for Elgin. Yes, it’s over a long period of time, but it’s great news for Elgin and Moray.
“For people to move here in the first place, there must be a reason, whether that’s economic or whether they want to enjoy the quality of life.
“One of the things that needs to be looked at as part of this is the transport infrastructure in Elgin – with no Western Link Road, a new railway bridge in the west of Elgin is needed, there is no doubt about that.”
