Public views sought on Cullen housing development plan
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PLANS to build up to 56 houses in Cullen went on show at a public consultation session in the town.
Last Monday at Seafield Arms Hotel saw representatives from architects GH Johnston and developers Morlich Homes on hand to outline the initial proposals for a 3.4 hectare site just off Seafield Road heading out of Cullen.
It is envisaged the site would contain a mix of housing, a pocket park plus a crossing point to the western side of Seafield Road providing a link to Cullen Primary School.
GH Johnston senior planning consultant Kenny Shand said: "We're still at the very early stages of the proposals.
"We've already submitted a proposal of application notice to Moray Council and the purpose of today's consultation is to listen to local views.
"At the moment we're proposing up to 55 homes being built in phases, comprising two, three and four bedroomed properties. There would also be an affordable home element of up to around 15 houses if the full development is built.
"There hasn't been a lot of housing development in Cullen over the years, what there has been has tended to be smaller scale, and we believe that there is a demand for this sort of project now, especially due to the pressures caused by houses being sold as holiday homes.
"The development of the building phases would be driven by market demand.
"It's an idea family location. Sustainability is very much at the heart of this development and hopefully it would help maintain the roll at the local primary school.
"In terms of amenities, including play areas, those requirements would be gauged with each phase of the development. The Scottish Government encourages planners to aim for 20 minute communities but due to the size of Cullen it is essentially already one, with most of the town accessible within a 20 minute walk. What we're looking at with this development are five and 10 minute communities.
"It all adds to the sustainability of the development."
Mr Shand added that the next stage following the consultation would see the proposals, including any amendments driven by public feedback, put to the planning committee.
Details of the proposals to date, including two videos, can be accessed at https://www.ghjohnston.co.uk/planning/community-engagement-2/
Information can also be obtained by emailing kenny@ghjohnston.co.uk or connor@ghjohnston.co.uk
Alternatively write to GH Johnston Building Consultants Ltd at Willow House, Stoneyfield Business Park, Inverness, IV2 7PA or phone (01463) 237229.
Views and suggestions regarding the development can be submitted via an online feedback form or an offline form can be printed off and returned to GH Johnston at the above address. Comments can also be sent to the above email addresses.
Feedback should be submitted by Monday, April 18.
It has been highlighted that comments submitted during the consultation do not constitute representations to Moray Council regarding the proposal.
Two local councillors – Donald Gatt and Laura Powell – have already spoken about the proposal.
Councillor Gatt said: "I’ve no problem with the 55 houses.
"That would be generally welcomed in Cullen.
"My concern for Seafield Road is there seems to be a non-ending issue with complaints about speeding."
There were calls to reduce the speed limit between Cullen and the junction with the B9018 road from Councillor Powell.
"I would like to see the 40mph section removed, and the speed limit reduced to 30mph until it gets to the junction with the Keith road.
"It will reduce the speed of traffic going into and out of Cullen.
"There will be an element of affordable housing with this that is very much needed.
"Some of the low priced properties in Cullen are sold as holiday homes, and I hope the affordable housing is completed earlier in the development rather than left to the end."
Cullen and Deskford Community Council will also be asked for comment on the proposal.
