Public EngagementNairn South : Nairn

Planning that starts with you!

That’s exactly what we helped achieve through the collaborative planning process in Nairn. From the initial meetings in 2008 through to the recent modelling session in October 2010 the local community has led the way in the design of this development. At the three-day modelling workshop we met with not only the Highland Council but also with the Association of Nairn Businesses, Visit Nairn, the Highland Constabulary, the neighbouring Sawmill and most important of all – the people of Nairn.

As a result of the in-depth discussions we had, we made many revisions to the plan including moving the whole thing south to allow the sawmill the flexibility to grow in the future. We also received support for our idea to develop the commercial/retail area after a critical mass of residents were living in the area, to ensure it gets the best possible start and create a strong link to the High Street.

What Next?

After many discussions with the current residents of Nairn, the Council and various other stakeholders (at a series of meetings in July 2008, the Enquiry by Design in October 2008 and the recent modelling workshop in the Golf View in October 2010) the planning submission was submitted in February 2011 and is available to view in its entirety on the Highland Council’s website.

Information on the full engagement process can be seen in the downloadable newsletter PDF.

What did you have to say?

When we held our series of workshops, we asked you for your views and concerns.

Below is a selection from the final consultation session and how we've responded:

A96 congestion in Nairn – a bypass is needed.
We agree but a bypass is a long way off and Nairn will continue to suffer without incremental improvements. For the first time in decades, development is being strategically planned to benefit the broader community with proposed connections and placement of uses.
Railroad underpass at Cawdor Road is a problem for both traffic and pedestrians – too narrow and difficult to see.
Both Cawdor Road and Leopold Street junctions will be evaluated as part of the required traffic analysis which will allow us to create sensible solutions. That analysis will also look at safe routes to schools, pedestrian access and also where we can incorporate cycle paths for Nairn’s many cyclists.
How will the new access to the development affect neighbouring residents?
There will be additional traffic on Cawdor, and this will impact on residents in the Firhall development, but through revisions at the railroad crossing and at the junction to Leopold Street, and by diffusing that traffic to six different entrances, we should minimise that impact. Also, in response to the community’s comments, we have redesigned the entrance across from Firhall so that it is no longer the primary or preferred entrance to the new neighbourhood.
The styles of houses you’re showing look in keeping with Nairn.
Where will the people come from to live in these houses?
Many will come from Nairn already, young families wanting to get on the property ladder, or people upsizing/downsizing from their current property. Nairn is a very desirable place to live, and with the improvements to the town centre being discussed at present we’re confident that there is a market in Nairn.
With the railway bridge as a divider, are you creating two towns?
Future transportation improvements that we propose seek to minimise the barrier created by the railway line. Additionally, new development south of the railway line is physically closer to the centre of town than sprawl developments to the east and west, and therefore, more capable of supporting the town centre in a meaningful way.

Scotia Homes

Inspired by the past : Built for the future

Public EngagementNairn South : Nairn

Planning that starts with you!

What Next?