Plans backed to extend Findhorn Foundation

PLANS to built 38 new houses and three commercial units within the Findhorn Foundation are being backed by Moray council officers.

Planning permission is being sought to build on an area called the North Whins by a company called Duneland Limited.

The issue is set to be debated at the local authority's planning committee this week.

Duneland Ltd purchased the 145 hectare Wilkie Estate in 1997 and has since gifted around 110 hectares to the Findhorn Dunes Trust and Findhorn Foundation for conservation purposes.

The company sold some land and retained 15 acres for conservation land, with the rest being used for development.

Speaking last November, a spokesman said: "Duneland has from the outset planned to develop the remaining land, extending to about 15 acres, all of which is south of the High Dune Ridge that forms the northern settlement boundary.

"The North Whins project is the last remaining area of this land that will be developed.

"Duneland has kept or caused to be kept about 95 per cent of the land it purchased for conservation purposes. The remaining five per cent will be developed and considerable pains have been and will be taken to ensure that wildlife corridors and biodiversity will be maintained."

Local Conservative Councillor Claire Feaver, speaking at Thursday's Forres Community Council meeting, added: "The 38 houses will cover quite a large area and move a lot of the dune land.

"Eight units for affordable housing will be right at the front, at the entrance. There has been quite a lot of engagement with it.

"They are separate applications (the housing and commercial units), both are being recommended for building."