Planning in Moray: Road safety and new homes at Dallas Dhu
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Road safety issues will have to be addressed before a planning application is lodged for a housing development near Forres.
Moray Council is looking to build up to 180 homes to the south of the town at Dallas Dhu.
As the proposal is for more then 50 houses, it's classed as a 'major development'.
That meant Moray Council had to submit what's known as a 'proposal of application notice' in order to gain feedback before it can lodge a formal application for planning permission.
The Dallas Dhu development was discussed at the council's planning committee on Tuesday.
Councillor Paul McBain (Forres, Conservative) raised concerns about accessing the A940 Grantown Road, which is already busy.
He also asked officers to look at the impact extra vehicles would have at the roundabout by the Forres war memorial.
Cllr McBain said: "Although we need housing in Forres there’s a strong need to ensure our infrastructure is adequate as we push out the Grantown Road."
The development is being funded by the Moray Growth Deal and is a part of a wider project to built 300 new affordable houses across the wider area.
Cllr Scott Lawrence (Forres, SNP) also felt that the 180 homes could put pressure on rural roads.
However he stated his belief that the development offers a "unique" chance to improve the way social housing is delivered.
Cllr Lawrence said: "There are opportunities for Forres to provide even more social housing, and attract much needed professionals to work in key services.
"I think there are opportunities for this council to create new standards in social housing."
The site lies to the east of Mannachie Road, with Dallas Dhu distillery to the south.
A public exhibition about the development was held in June.
However a second scheduled for August is expected to be pushed back to the beginning of October.
