Flood risk sees objection to development of 14 houses in Auldearn
Plans for a housing development in Auldearn have encountered opposition due to reported flood risk in the area.
In its most recent comment, Highland Council’s flood risk management team objected to current plans to build 14 houses at Meadowfield Farm, to the east of the village, saying it was on the grounds of flood risk to others and of a lack of flood risk and drainage information.
This follows a previous objection to the planning application which was submitted in October by the council’s forestry team, who said that the proposals “would result in adverse impacts on native trees of potentially high biodiversity value” and insufficient protection to trees on the site.
Flood risks were highlighted by resident Wanda Skerrett, who lives near the land for the development and who shared an image from her own garden in February 2024 when the drainage was temporarily impeded.
The risk of flooding was highlighted by Auldearn Community Council as well, with chair Roger Milton stating that, although it was found that the new proposal would tidy up a site “that has become somewhat of an eyesore”, Community Council members and residents had brought forward concerns over the proposal.
He wrote: “There is a general belief that as an area of natural ponds and wetland that regularly causes road flooding combining with poor natural drainage. It will need a carefully designed solution to these threats, which is not presently obvious on the plans.”
The absence of traffic calming measures in the plans was also highlighted as something “essential” for the area after a long campaign achieved to have them installed in other parts of the village affected by speeding.
He continued: “Particular thought should be given to the junction onto the Forres road where children will have to cross to access the pavement on the Moyness road.
“The Moyness road has become at times a busy and dangerous road; we hope if this development succeeds that it will mark an end to the unregulated ribbon development that Highland Council has allowed to happen over the last 20 years. [Nearly 20 houses in that time].
“Auldearn School is reaching a maximum pupil roll and beyond this any significant further development will cause a serious problem.”
He concluded with the hope of initiating a dialogue with developers.
The consultation process on this application ended in late October and is now waiting to be considered by the relevant committee.
