Findhorn eco village gets go-ahead to expand
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
PERMISSION has been granted to build 38 new homes in the Findhorn eco village.
A total of 55 people objected to the proposal, however it was given outline planning permission after a vote at Moray Council's planning committee yesterday.
The proposal, which was also received 11 letters of support, was submitted by the developer Duneland Ltd.
In addition to the houses it also includes the creation of three commercial craft units and a "community facility".
Councillor Claire Feaver (Forres, Conservative) spoke in strong opposition to any building on the 2.5-hectare site which lies to the north of the eco village's current boundary.
Cllr Feaver stated that proposal would be harmful both to the plants and birds that inhabit the dunes at Findhorn.
She said: "We're destroying an area of local ecological significance."
Planning officers stated that they had received no objection to Dunleand Ltd's proposal from Scottish National Heritage.
Talking in favour of allowing the development, cllr Louise Laing (Speyside-Glenlivet/ SNP) said: "They are the experts. We have to listen to them."
The measure was passed by seven votes to three.
In the same meeting planning permission was also granted to New Findhorn Directions Limited to build eight new affordable houses inside the eco village.
.
