St Machar Properties propose development of 48 affordable homes at Caroline Street, Forres
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A NEW proposal has been made to build homes on a site that has lain derelict for nearly 18 years.
Aberdeen-based developer, St Machar Properties, has submitted a planning application for a development of 48 affordable homes on the site of the old Forres Tesco at Caroline Street.
A St Machar spokesman said: "This development will provide much needed affordable housing in the area and contribute to Moray Council’s aspiration to meet housing demand in the locality going forward.
"It provides an ideal opportunity for regenerating a brownfield site which will support the town centre and in particular Forres High Street."
The land was formally the site of the original Forres Tesco supermarket and car park. The building was abandoned in 2002 but was not demolished until April, 2014.
Owners, Redco Milne were unsuccessful in attempts to build a retail development on the site in 2015, then again in 2016 when they lodged an application for 80 affordable housing units in three areas around Caroline Street.
According to Companies House records, Redco Milne changed name to St Machar Properties, acquiring interest in the 1.42 hectare brownfield site last year. Accommodation for disabled, elderly and single person households will be provided.
The proposed development will provide one bedroom apartments, as well as three and four bedroom terraced houses, together with 81 car parking spaces and associated landscaping.
The location is listed as "a key town centre opportunity site in the emerging local plan set in a leafy area overlooking the Mosset Burn, within walking distance of the town centre amenities and railway station".
St Machar Properties are in detailed discussions with a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) partner to deliver the development, with construction programmed to commence in Q2 2021, subject to planning consent.
Moray Councillor George Alexander (Forres, Independent) is delighted to see another proposal for the site.
He said: "I hope it sails through the planning process. On the other hand, there have been a number of false starts with regard to developing this site, so I will wait patiently in hopes of a positive outcome this time around."
Fellow local councillor, Aaron McLean, (SNP) will also be interested to see the application go to committee for a decision.
He said: "It has lain empty since I worked in the old building. It has been a much neglected area since then, which doesn’t reflect the rest of the town when you pass on the A96 or visit Mosset Park.
"Any new development there would need to live up to the character of the rest of the town centre."
Forres Community Council chairman, Shaun Moat, also hopes the land is finally utilised.
He said: "The area has been a eye sore since its was demolished. It will be good to see the full plans when they come in front of the community council for discussion and we have been approached for a meeting with the developers.
"Any development that improves the town and offers affordable housing would be welcomed."
