Plans for housing development in Hopeman rejected

COUNCILLORS have unanimously voted against the building of 22 homes in Hopeman.

Springfield Properties submitted their application for the building of affordable flats and houses on Forsyth Street in November 2016, but today members of Moray Council’s Planning & Regulatory Services Committee upheld officers’ recommendation to refuse permission.

A report to councillors stated that the size and scale of the proposal did not reflect the settlement pattern, failed to integrate into the surrounding area and would be detrimental to the existing open character and identity of Forsyth Street and Hopeman.

The application received four representations of support but 254 objections to the development, mainly from local residents raising concerns about siting and design.

The motion to refuse was proposed by Cllr Aaron McLean.

Chair of the committee, Cllr Wilson, said that although the need for more affordable housing in Moray is recognised, the council felt this development fell outside the current planning guidelines."

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.