Proposed housing development at Ferrylea, Forres
I welcome the decision of the planning committee to send this proposal back on the grounds of the density of housing proposed. If it returns for consideration I hope there are considerable improvements made which go beyond simply reducing the number of properties to an acceptable level. We really need to see developments which add value to our communities rather than yet more bog-standard ‘anywhere’ housing developments with few, if any, redeeming features.
In other parts of the country, in response to public pressure, we are seeing imaginative schemes which have features that respect their setting, the local vernacular style, and incorporate design features which enhance the experience of the people who are to live in them such as green and blue corridors. Surely we can do that in Moray too?
At a time when the most recent State of Nature Report confirms that wildlife is declining faster in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK it surely behoves us in Moray to do our bit and mitigate the impact of new developments. Why not insist on some swift or bat boxes in the development – both are declining species. There is so much more that could be done.
Land for development is a precious thing – it is the ultimate non-renewable resource. Once built, these houses will be there for generations. Children will grow up and spend their childhoods in them. Other people will live out their retirements in them. We should respect that and act accordingly.
It’s our job as a Council to demand the highest possible standards. We should not apologise for putting pressure on developers. It’s our job as a Council to fight for the public interest.
Ancient woodland development, Maverston
I am dismayed that the Council has agreed to the destruction of an area of ancient woodland, which the Woodland Trust recommended should be preserved.
These places are literally irreplaceable and shows that whenever there is a difficult choice to be made, the protection of biodiversity becomes a secondary consideration.
The decision of the SNP administration to demote biodiversity from the Council’s corporate plans tells us all we need to know about its priorities.
Student accommodation, Forres
Providing student accommodation in Forres is undoubtedly an important thing to do.
However it is questionable whether it is best served by erecting a block of flats on the edge of town with just nine car parking spaces for as many as 42 students and no bus service.
I am very sceptical of the assurances given about the number of cars which will appear, and fear that we will see vehicles being scattered around neighbouring streets causing problems for other residents.
