Moray planning – Permission given for 175 new homes in Buckie
Proposals to build 174 homes on the outskirts of Buckie have been given the go-ahead.
Officers recommended granting planning permission for the development east of Barhill Road.
Concerns were raised, however, at this morning’s meeting over a lack of public transport and connections to the rest of the town. Although two bus stops will be built on either side of Barhill Road, the services have been withdrawn.
Meanwhile, proposals for a footbridge over the Burn of Buckie have been delayed due to a Scottish Government change in the funding formula.
Councillor Sonya Warren (Buckie, SNP) said: “There’s not good connectivity between that part and the rest of the town. We’re asking people to walk really long distances and that’s not going to encourage environmental forms of transport.”
Donald Gatt (Keith and Cullen, Conservative) said there was an “increasing cause for concern” over the amount of agricultural land being used for housing.
He added that the UK only produces 60% of the food it needs to be self-sufficient.
Marc Macrae (Fochabers/Lhanbryde, Conservative) felt colours proposed for the gable ends for some of the properties, including sky blue, were not in keeping with the character of the area.
Draeyk Van Der Horn (Forres, Green) called for some of the site’s allotments to be made accessible.
Several members of the planning committee also raise issues over increased traffic and road safety.
The Springfield Properties development contains a mix of 29 different designs, ranging from three-storey blocks of flats to four-bedroom detached houses.
Of the 174 homes a total of 44 will be affordable housing. A retail unit will also be incorporated into one of the blocks of flats, while a playpark and a public art installation will be included within the development.
Dave Main, who manages Springfield’s north division, said: "We’re pleased that our proposals for a range of energy efficient homes in Buckie have been approved by Moray Council.
“The development will include 174 homes across tenures, creating high quality options for those seeking affordable homes, for first-time buyers looking to get on the property ladder, for families aspiring for more space and for those looking to downsize.
“We are excited to once again be building in Buckie – an area that we have been delivering in for a number of years. Our new housing development will create local jobs and apprenticeship opportunities, stimulate the nearby supply chain and contribute well to the area’s economy.”
