Scottish Government overturns two Springfield planning rejections in Moray

Springfield Properties is set to deliver nearly 350 homes across two developments in Moray after planning refusals for both applications were overturned by the Scottish Government.Councillors had decided against applications for 316 homes at Ferrylea in Forres and 26 affordable homes Bain Avenue in Elgin, both of which submitted by Springfield Properties.The Forres plan would have taken the total amount of homes on the site to 575 – despite the land being initially earmarked by Moray Council for a capacity of 380.Scottish Government reporter David Liddell agreed Springfield’s plans did not follow the masterplan blueprint but concluded their proposals were not “inappropriate”.The Elgin plans were backed due to their “much-needed” contribution to the affordable housing market.Councillors had rejected the Bain Avenue application after deciding the proposal would result in the “unacceptable loss” of amenity greenspace designation and have a “detrimental impact” on the surrounding environment. Springfield told Scottish Construction Now that the developments will both contribute to the Scottish Government’s affordable housing targets and pledged to work with councillors to reduce the need for appeals.Both decisions are subject to legal agreements being made between the council and Springfield for financial contributions towards local services.