Nairn’s Local Place Plan Approved, Paving Way for Development

The Highland Council has officially validated the community-led Local Place Plan for Nairn, titled “Our Nairnshire”. This plan, developed by the Nairn Improvement Community Enterprise (NICE) over two years of public consultation, will now guide future planning developments in the area.

Local Place Plans are unique in Scotland, as they are community-driven documents that outline how residents envision the management and development of local land, buildings, and the natural environment over the next decade. With its registration on the Highland Council’s website, “Our Nairnshire” will play a crucial role in shaping the new Highland Local Development Plan, reflecting local priorities and aspirations.

Among the key priorities identified in the plan are the long-awaited construction of the Nairn Bypass, revitalization of the town centre, a focus on sustainability—including enhanced public transport and interconnected active travel routes—and the creation of more space for business expansion.

Alasdair Noble, chairman of NICE, expressed that this registration marks a significant foundation for the community. “The important thing is that it’s now registered and it has a status,” he stated. “This is the most important stage, in which we start to deliver all of these projects and infrastructures. That’s where we all have to work together.”

The next phase involves forming a full-time community development team dedicated to implementing the key projects outlined in the plan. In a business case presented to the Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), NICE outlined that this team will ensure the effective delivery of community-identified priorities, concentrating on infrastructure, environmental resilience, economic development, and social wellbeing.

The estimated budget for the first year is approximately £425,000, which will cover salaries for the development team, project delivery expenses, operational costs, and contingencies. Various funding sources are being considered, including the Community Regeneration Fund, Crown Estate Scotland, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Mr. Noble characterized the plan as a form of community empowerment, emphasizing the hope that Nairn will receive its “fair share” of investment. “The feedback we have been getting is that this is the best local place plan in Scotland,” he remarked, highlighting the community’s commitment to a sustainable future.

He noted the plan’s intention to ensure that any future proposals are community-led, requiring approval from residents based on their collective best interests. “What we have now is people saying that they want to live in a green, sustainable community with local jobs,” he added. “We want young people to be able to live and work in Nairn—we don’t want to be a retirement or commuter town.”

As the community gears up for this pivotal moment, the focus remains on collaboration and collective action to bring the vision of “Our Nairnshire” to fruition. The next steps will be crucial in ensuring that the aspirations of local residents are realized through effective planning and development.