Findhorn Village Conservation Company objects to Findhorn Sands Caravan Park’s application to Moray Council to build storage shed

A rural group set up to improve and protect the interests of a coastal village has objected to plans for a new “storage building” for a caravan park.

The Findhorn Village Conservation Company (TFVCC) has officially registered the objection with Moray Council’s planning department - currently considering Findhorn Sands Caravan Park’s application to ‘erect a storage building with staff area’ close to homes.

Findhorn Sands has been family owned and run since 1991, comprising privately owned caravans and lodges. Two eco wedges and a two bedroom lodge are also available for short term rental.

Findhorn Sands owners were approached for comment but declined to make one.

TFVCC explain that the site boundary line shown on the application plans is incorrect - it encroaches into land owned by TFVCC.

The group stated: “We question the intended use of the new shed described as a “welfare building”. The proposal shows a large industrial unit with a toilet at one end.

“The application form states that the use type is unknown, suggesting that its intended use could be manufacturing. This is totally out of keeping with the aims of Moray Council’s local development plans for Findhorn.”

Their objection added: “The caravan site has existed for decades without a welfare building. The proposed building is, both in size and design, completely out of keeping with the village’s character.

“The local development plans state that the caravan site must remain for that purpose only. This proposal goes against such a condition and sets a dangerous precedent.”

A total of five objections have been made.

One agreed that the proposed shed is “out of keeping with the surrounding properties and detrimental to the close-by environmental land”.

Another claimed that the track leading to the site is unsuitable for increased traffic to a work unit. They pointed out that construction and use when open would cause “excessive” noise levels, disturbing neighbouring Raeberry, Sage Cottage and Wyken Cottages.

It was also highlighted that Findhorn Sands heavy traffic already causes wear to Dunes Road, which is owned by TFVCC. An objector added: “Additional traffic would exacerbate this.”

The application was received by the local authority on August 18 and is now reviewed by a planning officer.