Moray residents out in force against nursery plans
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RESIDENTS in a ‘sleepy Elgin cul-de-sac’ have voiced objections to plans that would see new homes and a nursery for up to 88 children built on their doorstep.
Liberty Childcare Holdings wants to create 11 residential properties as well as a childcare centre on undeveloped land off Bishopmill’s Roseisle Drive.
Campaigners say access to the site, which would initially be up Beech Brae then driven through the cul-de-sac, is not suitable for the proposal’s scale.
Safety concerns surrounding increased traffic, accompanied by worries over the suitability of the land, have been raised.
A petition has attracted more than 60 signatures in the days since neighbour notifications dropped through letter boxes on the street.
But developers say it would make a positive contribution to the local area, while also making it a more attractive place to live.
The company’s Ilia Robertson said up to 30 jobs would be created, with the child care centre alone representing an inward investment of more than £600,000.
Under the proposal, the land – which backs on to Spynie Care Home – would be transformed to include the facility with associated parking. 11 new homes, ranging from bungalows to larger two-storey properties, would also be constructed.
A second phase of the project would see an access road and core path driven to the nursery from the Hamilton Drive development, which lies off Duffus Road.
Mrs Robertson said Liberty Kids are happy to hold a residents’ meeting in the hope of opening positive channels of communication.
“It is really important that we come across exactly as we are; that we are being completely open, reasonable and honest, and that our goal is to deliver a development that will not only enhance the existing site but provide over 30 jobs, which is critical to the local economy.
“It will also create an unparalleled environment for the care of children, create a fantastic success story, while working in harmony and ideally in collaboration with the existing residents. We completely understand their concerns and wish to allay their fears as much as we can, and are more than willing to do so in person,” Mrs Robertson said.
Those living close to the site fear that the amenity of their neighbourhood could be ruined.
“I’m outraged. We knew there was something going on and thought maybe a couple of houses, but when we got hit with the 88-place nursery we were stunned.
“We all bought homes here because it is a sleepy cul-de-sac. We cherish what we have as a neighbourhood and we love the fact that our kids are safe. I just think that is unreasonable. You can knock virtually every door from Duffus Road up and nearly everyone is in agreement and the main concern is traffic,” said one resident.
Eleanor Webster, who lives at the B-Listed Round House, said just a few cars currently use the road.
“I think the whole project is ill-conceived. From my house to the house opposite, the road measures just over four metres – two cars can’t pass there and there are no pavements. If this goes ahead, there could be about 100 people coming up and down here every day.
See Friday's Northern Scot for full story.
