Concerns raised over Highland Council's new housing plan for Golspie
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The chairman of Golspie Community Council has expressed concern over the site pegged for new housing in Golspie.
Highland Council has tentative plans to build 21 homes in an area known as the 'hockey pitch', which would be accessed off South Argo Terrace.
All the units would be family housing barring two smaller bungalows.
Local authority housing development officer Helen Cameron gave a presentation on the proposal at a meeting of Golspie Community Council earlier this year.
No dissent was expressed at that point, but council chairman Ian Sutherland said at a later meeting: “I think most of us were taken by surprise by the proposal. I was not happy about it and that is a personal point of view. I would not like to seen any housing going there - I don’t think it is the right site. The road network is not in place for it.”
He made his opinion clear following an approach to the community council from Jonathan and Jill Haylett, who lives at South Argo Terrace next door to the site.
They wrote in an email: “While we understand the need for affordable homes, we very much regret the loss of green space within the village.
The couple also point out that the site is not designated as housing development land in the 2018 Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan.
And they added: “We feel that 21 houses on the footprint shown in the existing plan would result in a crowded development. Advice from architects we have consulted suggest that 15 houses is more likely to allow the creation of a pleasant environment.”
The Hayletts were keen that, if the development was to go ahead, Highland Council worked with the community council and neighbouring residents towards the best possible outcome.
They have suggested that an open meeting could be held at which the housing plans could be displayed.
Community councillor Iain Miller said: “I think we are getting slightly ahead of ourselves. We had a presentation from Highland Council. Nothing has gone to planning. There is plenty time to put forward objections when planning comes along."
His colleague Becky Shaw said: “There is a balance to be had between the obvious need for houses and green spaces and amenity. There may be some kind of compromise solution that works.”
Ward councillor Richard Gale said: “Any thoughts such as those mentioned should be passed on to Helen Cameron. She really wants to work with the community to make sure it ticks the boxes. It is hoped to have the proposal before planners by the end of the year.”
