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FindhornHierarchy Status/ Objectives/ IssuesFindhorn is a third tier settlementl Need to balance the high quality

environment of Findhorn with thepressure for further development

l To maintain the distinctive characteristicsof the village, namely the originalSeatown, holiday attractions of the beacharea, dunes, caravan site, Local NatureReserve, residences at the south end andthe Ecovillage.

l To ensure that any new development doesnot compromise the specific features ofthe village, namely. Its open spaces(including public spaces between houses),woodlands, footpaths, Bay foreshore andits enclosure by gorse and sand duneareas.

InfrastructureWater and DrainageDevelopers are advised to contact ScottishWater as early as possible in order to confirmthat there is sufficient drainage capacity andwater supply available to accommodateproposals.

Scottish Water has advised that they will workwith developers to ensure that newdevelopment can be accommodated.

RoadsComments on road access arrangements areprovided in site designation texts.  These areintended to be of assistance to developersand advise generally of improvements thatare likely to be needed to service the site,along with the need for any off-siteimprovements.  These requirements are notexhaustive, and do not pre-empt anythingthat might result through the TransportAssessment process.  It is essential thatdevelopers contact Transportation at an earlystage, especially where there is a requirementfor a Transport Assessment identified in thesite text. 

Developer ContributionsContributions may be sought towards somepublic facilities (eg core paths; library;schools; sports/leisure facilities;transportation) and this will be confirmed atapplication stage. Developments over 4houses will be required to make an affordablehousing contribution

Layout and DesignHigh quality design and layouts in newdevelopment is an important aspect for“placemaking”, in order to achieve anattractive and interesting living environment .This is a priority objective of the ScottishGovernment (see Primary Policy 3).

Pre-application discussions and communityconsultation are only requirements for MajorApplications (50 or more houses; or on sitesexceeding 2 hectares). The Council wouldencourage early discussion pre-applicationon ALL proposals, and is willing to engagewith developers to identify any aspects of sitedevelopment that should be taken intoconsideration from the outset.

Some sites being proposed for developmenthave had some “key design principles”identified for them, highlighting the keydesign elements that should be observedwhen layouts are being drafted.

HousingR1 Heathneuk 0.9ha, capacity 5 housesThis site extends to 0.9 hectares and has amaximum capacity for 5 houses. The capacityof the site reflects the adjacent low densitydevelopments and the need to ensure thatthere is no significant increase in traffic turningonto the Findhorn Road. The development willneed to be sited and designed to ensure that itdoes not visually intrude on the open duneslandscape to the north.

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Access should be from Dunes road which willrequire upgrading to roads adoptionstandards, including the provision of aturning facility. The upgrading of the roadshould include measures to encouragevehicle speeds of 20mph or less.

Consultation with the MoD in regard to noisecontours will be required.

R2 DunelandThis area extends to 2.85 hectares and hasplanning consent for residential use.

Residential caravansWithin this area the Council will continue toapply policy allowing for the replacement oftemporary caravans and mobile homes withmore permanent buildings of mixed use atlower or one to one densities. The Councilsupports the innovative construction anddesign techniques used within the Ecovillage,providing they do not conflict with the overallobjectives for the village.

A walkover and photographic survey ofhabitats is required to assess the presence ofwetlands and to identify any consequentrequirement to address/mitigate the impacton groundwater dependant terrestrialecosystems.

Opportunity sites (Policy ED5 applies)OPP1 BoatyardThis area is an important recreational facilityfor the wider area and acts as a visitorattraction, supplemented by the chandleryand restaurant. The Council support theredevelopment and expansion of thesebusiness activities where the followingcriteria are met;l New development is of a scale and design

which reflects its sensitive locationl Any housing element is secondary and in

support of business activitiesl That a promenade style frontage is

created on the western side of the site,providing a walkway, seating and lighting.

Proposals should be supported by a FloodRisk Assessment (FRA).

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TourismT1 The Findhorn Sands and Findhorn BayHoliday Caravan ParksExpansion of the chalet and caravan sitedevelopments outwith the boundaries shownon the Proposals Map will not be approvedbecause of environmental impact.

EnvironmentThe following sites are identified as openspaces, which contribute to theenvironmental amenity of Findhorn. The overriding policy E5 applies to each of these sites.

ENV3 Amenity GreenspaceOpen Spaces and Drying Greens

ENV4 Playspace for Children andTeenagersPlay area

ENV5 Sports AreasRecreation ground, bowling greenand tennis courts

ENV6 Green Corridors/Natural/Semi Natural GreenspacesTrees at village entrance

ENV8 Foreshore AreasFindhorn Dunes

ENV9 Other Functional GreenspacesEstablished parking areas withpotential for use for overnightcamper van parking subject to theprinciple use as car parks beingretained and the environmental valueof the surrounding dunes not beingcompromised.

Public FootpathsThe Council will endeavour to protect thenetwork of footpaths, which presently existwithin the village. Development proposalswill not normally be approved within thevillage, which interfere with establishedpedestrian links.

CA Conservation AreaThe Conservation Area is identifiedon the proposals map (policy BE3applies). The boundaries areunchanged.

Ecological StudiesAny development proposals on the areasidentified with an asterisk will require to besupported by a detailed ecological study.Scottish Natural Heritage will be consulted onthe study.

Wider Environmental DesignationsThere are a number of environmentaldesignations immediately outside thesettlement boundary which will require to beobserved.

AGLV Area of Great Landscape Value

CPA Coastal Protection Zone

SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest

Findhorn Bay Local Nature Reserve

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FINDHORN

Population: 901

Households: 445

2011

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5 Th

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ncil 1

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3422