The first wave of houses that could radically alter Moray’s biggest town is poised to be approved.
Today, councillors will debate the first set of plans for Findrassie, in the north of Elgin, which include up to 500 homes. Eventually 1,500 houses could be built on the site across two decades.
The proposals, which are on land initially earmarked for housing by the council 10 years ago, have been hit with delays amid accusations that rival developments in the south of the town were given preferential treatment.
Now the local authority’s planning committee has been recommended to give approval for planning permission in principal to the huge development, which would be built next to the A941 Elgin to Lossiemouth road.
Pitgaveny Estate has spearheaded the project, which will also include a new primary school, shops, eateries and possibly a hotel.
Elgin City North councillor Paula Coy said: “The intake at Bishopmill Primary School has been particularly high this year so it is something that we need to be keeping a very close eye on. It would be good to get another school in the area as quickly as possible.
“There’s been so much attention on the south of Elgin recently due to the developments that are planned there.
“It’s quite a distance from the northern boundary to the town centre so it would be good to see transport links looked at as part of these plans.”
A masterplan has already been approved by the council for the area, which includes a central open area running through the site next to the Sey Burn, which could include sports pitches, allotments and an amphitheatre.
If approved, the council will ask for cash from the developer in order to cope with the extra strain that will be put on education, healthcare and transport infrastructure in the area.
Concerns have been raised from Scottish Natural Heritage about the effect of the development on greylag geese at Loch Spynie. However, conditions have been recommended by the council to manage the quality of the water.
In a report, principal planning officer Angus Burnie said: “Subject to the development not having an adverse effect upon the qualifying interests for the Loch Spynie special protection area, addressing legal requirements towards developer obligations and treatment of the western boundary of the electricity sub-station, the proposal would accord with planning policy.”