Plea to build outwith Moray's towns
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A MORAY SNP councillor has called for action to "support the vitality" of more rural spots by ensuring housing developments are built outwith the area's main towns.
It was announced last week that work is to start on building 250 affordable homes. Investment will total £9.7 million, funded by the Scottish Government, with units expected to be completed at sites in Elgin, Keith, Buckie, Mosstodloch, Hopeman and Aberlour by 2021-22.
But Buckie councillor Sonya Warren has urged Moray Council to consider alternative approaches – working more closely with landowners and developers to bring new developments to smaller settlements.
Mrs Warren issued the call after the council's communities committee considered the Affordable Housing Programme and reaffirmed its commitment to major developments.
Mrs Warren said: "If we continue to purely focus on the areas where housing is already being built, we are going to continue to put more and more pressure on schools and infrastructure in those areas.
"By working innovatively with developers and landowners, we can support the vitality of smaller, more rural areas.
"In my ward there are a number of small areas that have been accepted into the development plan for housing development. I believe that these should be assessed and developers should be encouraged to look at ways to bring these sites forward as a matter of priority."
Chairwoman of the communities committee Councillor Louise Laing said: "The council has ambitious targets for increasing the levels of housing in Moray and these targets are based on the Housing Needs and Demand Assessment.
"I am sure, however, that council officials will listen to innovative proposals for areas designated for housing, especially if it helps meet the objectives of the Local Housing Strategy."
The local authority is working with other registered social landlords to build homes under its Strategic Local Programme.
