Nairn Public Urged to Have Their Say on Exciting Expansion Plans for Town

Residents in and around Nairn are being urged to have their say on “exciting” plans for the medium to long term growth of the town,  including construction of up to 5,000 houses, retail, recreational and community facilities and a by-pass.  The plans will go on display on Thursday 14 September at Nairn Community Centre.   Planning officials will be available from noon until 9 pm to outline the five options, which have been identified by independent consultants, Halcrows, as the result of discussions with landowners and public agencies.

Halcrows were appointed by the Council to identify a route to the south of Nairn for the by-pass as well as locations most suitable to help accommodate 30,000 extra people over the next 30-40 years in the Inner Moray Firth Area. Halcrows are also evaluating locations to the East of Inverness for growth.

Already identified in principle for development are two new communities which have been put forward by landowners at Whiteness and Tornagrain, together with modest expansion of some of the existing larger villages along the length of the A96 Corridor.

Councillors were reassured that existing Local Plan commitments including zoned housing land at Sandown and Balmakeith together with completion of a large modern supermarket to underpin regeneration of the commercial heart of Nairn remained as immediate priority actions."

Provost Sandy Park, chairman of the Nairnshire Area Committee of The Highland Council, has warmly welcomed the projected growth of Nairn, including a much-needed by-pass of the town. He said: “These are exciting times for Nairn.  Our immediate priority is to ensure the town centre is revitalised. Work is underway at the new Community Centre and proposed environmental improvements are eagerly anticipated. This new report on the medium to long term growth of Inner Moray Firth area opens up significant opportunities in and around Nairn and this is very exciting for our communities. Clearly, the route of the by-pass will determine how Nairn develops in the future and we want the public to get actively involved in the shaping of the future of their town.”

Councillor John Matheson described the projected growth of Nairn as “the most exciting thing to happen to Nairn for 100 years”. He said: “This is a glorious opportunity for the people of Nairn and surrounding communities to get involved in dictating the future shape of the area.  My message to them is to come along to our open day on 14 September and get involved in the process.”
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