Several local businesses have spoken out in support of proposals to create a new set of business start-up units adjacent to an existing Nairn industrial estate.
We reported earlier this month how Space MGM LLP is seeking permission in principle for the creation of seven units to be built next to the A96 Forres Road, beside the Balmakeith Industrial Estate.
It says the units will be of similar scale to those on the existing estate and will help support increasing demand from businesses, contributing to the economic growth of Nairn.
At that time its submission was backed by one business owner – Lynne McSherry of Nairn Insurance Services – who said it would provide “desperately needed” space.
Now half a dozen others have also come out in support, though one local group at the heart of community planning in Nairn has objected.
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Among papers lodged Ali Asher, director of Asher’s bakery, said he did not believe the site is suitable as either green space or for housing, given its location between the railway line and the A96., adding: “Industrial use would be ideal for this land, creating permanent employment in Nairn going forward, in addition to the construction work to build the units.”
Backing has also come from Scott Murray of CRU Holdings which owns The Classroom bar and bistro and Sun Dancer restaurant in Nairn.
He said: “Having owned and operated businesses in the area for over 25 years, and having started in a similar style of unit through in Elgin, I have always thought that there was a real lack of space to allow small scale businesses to start up affordably.
“Elgin and Forres both enjoy a number of options for these types of business, and I do feel that Nairn is lacking, which could potentially have a negative effect on the local area – both economically and in terms of opportunity.”
Also supportive are the owners of local business Ross’s Garage who said they had been approached several times for people keen to rent or lease parts of their own property, and the owner of WM Cope and Son plumbers, gas fitters and heating engineers who said they themselves had to wait almost 10 years to obtain a unit in the existing industrial estate.
Motor trader Jamie Henderson, of the Henderson Group, said the development “would be a huge benefit to the town of Nairn” while James Wallace, director of accountancy practice Alba Business Services, spoke of the significant investment planned for the nearby Ardersier Port and the opportunities that presented more widely which could be lost through a lack of sufficient associated infrastructure.
In a similar vein a message of support has been lodged by a Willie and Fiona Lean who said: “If Nairn is to avoid becoming a town of retirees and commuters to Inverness, we believe it is exactly this type of development that is required – it will support existing jobs, create new ones and allow businesses to expand.”
Network Rail, Scottish Water and Transport Scotland have noted the application but not objected at this stage.
However NICE (community development trust Nairn Improvement Community Enterprise) – the overarching body responsible for the Nairnshire local place plan (LPP) – has come out against the proposals.
Chairman Alastair Noble said it contradicts the view laid out in the plan which shows how the community “clearly” identifies the site in question “as Green Space and Green Network”.
He added: “The LPP has recognised that there is ample space at the eastern end of the Balmakeith business park area to satisfy local unmet demand for new business units.
“The LPP has promoted the expansion of the Grigor Hill business site to include business units.
“During the LPP consultation process there was an overwhelming desire that green space, including the above land, should be protected and preserved.”
He said Highland Council’s own recently adopted development plan also confirmed the land as part of the green network and for all these reasons NICE “strongly object” to the application.
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