Nairn Aurora Hotel’s plans for extension refused
Plans to build an extension at a hotel and restaurant in Nairn town centre have been halted for the second time in two years.
Owners at the Aurora Hotel & Italian Restaurant on Academy Street lodged a planning application for a new extension to replace the existing conservatory at the Aurora Hotel in Nairn in September last year.
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This followed a similar application dating back to summer 2023, which was refused on the grounds of its impact on the neighbouring house and to the streetscape and character of the area.
According to the plans, the extension would replace the conservatory with a new structure with stone walls.
However neighbours objected that this proposal would still have an impact on their property as the 3.5m wall would run hard up against the shared boundary wall and the new structure would “overshadow” and cause loss of light to their front garden and windows.
In an objection letter they stated: “We wish to record our disappointment that the applicant has taken so little heed of the previous decision which underwent a rigorous review both by the case officer and subsequently by the Planning Review Body. Each assessment placed considerable weight on ensuring the Victorian façades, which are a feature of this section of Academy Street, are not adversely affected by inappropriate design.
“To submit a further proposal which is little altered in terms of its visual impact, appears to us to disrespect the decision of the planning authority and elected members.
“We have made clear from the outset that we acknowledge the hotel conservatory has reached the end of its serviceable life and needs to be replaced. Given the very limited space, then this needs to be done with sensitivity and take account of the material constraints both to the front and to the west side.
“We would have no objection to the hotel replacing the conservatory with a similar conservatory on its exact same footprint, subject to design and materials that are sympathetic to the character of the immediate area.”
Nairn West & Suburban Community Council also objected the plans.
Two public comments were however submitted in favour of the application, with Nairn residents welcoming positive plans for investment in a well-known local business.
But planners ultimately decided to refuse the application once again, stating: “The proposal fails to create a high quality successful place, and does not protect or enhance the cultural heritage of the surrounding area or follow any clear design led approach and is therefore considered contrary to Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan Policy 8 (Placemaking).
“The proposal does not demonstrate sensitive siting and high-quality design in keeping with local character, as required by Highland wide Local Development Plan Policy 28 (Sustainable Design); and does not make a positive, net contribution to the architectural and visual quality of the place as required by Highland wide Local Development Plan Policy.”
