Highland Council has granted planning permission for a final 112 homes in the Springfield development in Dornoch.
The plans involve resurfacing a historic grassy path, a move recently described by some locals as an “act of cultural vandalism”.
However, councillors felt the advantages of the new development outweighed concerns about the path. They say the path offers a useful active travel route, and the new housing is a welcome boost to the local economy.
The Dornoch Springfield development was unanimously granted by members of north planning committee
194 new homes for Dornoch
Springfield Properties has already delivered phases one and two of its extensive new housing development in the Sutherland town.
The latest planning permission will deliver the final phases, taking the total number of homes to 194.
The developer initially hit a snag in the form of the Dornoch Burn, which cuts through the site north to south.
A recent flood risk assessment advised sectioning off a large area of land around the burn for flood prevention. As a result, Springfield has a smaller area to fit in the homes, and some residents complained they could look “shoehorned in”.
But despite nine local objections, council planning officers said the revised designs remain “logical and coherent”.
Cultural vandalism or useful access route?
As the planning committee hearing drew near, more residents raised worries about the fate of the old drovers’ road. The planning application includes a proposal to resurface the historic grassy path, providing a more suitable surface for walking and cycling into town.
Some residents feel this could increase interactions with cars, breach the privacy of local homes and even create issues with vandalism.
Others believe the developer should simply preserve the path as it is.
Earlier this week, concerned local resident Christine Callingham told the P&J:
“The drovers’ road is a unique corner of Dornoch. It is of historical interest and used as an informal footpath.
“We want to preserve it as it is. Tourists and regular walkers love it and people are horrified that this charming drovers’ road could be wiped out.
“As North Street/Gilchrist Square is in the conservation area, we are alarmed at this act of cultural vandalism.”
After the decision, Mrs Callingham said she was “disappointed, but not surprised.”
She said the council’s position will impose “unreasonable pressures to accept safety risks with which we are very uncomfortable”.
She added that the authority “appears to have no consideration of heritage and conservation values which are reflected in this unique precinct of Dornoch.”
Springfield intends to resurface the grassy path, allowing easier access to the town centre. This work is a requirement of their planning permission, and reflects the council’s broader goals to boost active travel.
At north planning committee, officers told members the path runs along natural “desire lines” for the residents of the development. It will be preserved, resurfaced and lit, providing better access for cyclists and pedestrians.
Planners also confirmed that the path is too narrow for cars to access it. The council assessed the area as low risk for road safety and vandalism.
Members say new homes is good news for Dornoch
Members today emphasised that they take residents concerns very seriously. However, Sutherland councillor Richard Gale had his eye on the bigger picture.
“This is the culmination of a 10-year plan,” he said. “It’s really positive to see this growth in the Dornoch area. It’s great to bring affordable housing to local residents and attract people into the town too.”
Mr Gale added that as far as he could see, all the necessary active travel links, paths and amenities are provided in the plans. He added that while he’d like to see more play parks, he is happy to support the application.
“I do listen to concerns, but in fairness I think those have all been mitigated in the information presented today.
“It’s a massive development for a small town like Dornoch but one that will bring economic benefits and be good for the whole area.”
Springfield managing director (North), Dave Main, said: “We’re pleased to have secured planning for 112 new high-quality homes in Dornoch, including 25% much needed affordable housing.
“As part of our development, we are required to deliver a path from our site to North Street. Highland Council has set standards for this path which we must meet to ensure it can be adopted.
“This is part of the councils’ wider aspirations to improve active travel throughout the region.”
Are you interested in more exclusive and breaking Highland and Islands news from the P&J? If so, why not join our dedicated Facebook page HERE
Conversation