Environmental impact is a concern in the Highlands
CaravanTimes recently reported on a proposed Highlands caravan site, which could boost the economy by £150,000.
The application for planning permission in the Brora area is ongoing, and has been stirring up quite a bit of controversy. Nine out of 11 public responses to the proposal on the local council’s website are against it.
One objector commented that it would be “aesthetically appalling”. Another described the idea of static caravans at the site as “criminal”, despite planning permission applicants, Neil Morrison and Sandy Skene branding such claims as “scaremongering”
Neil Morrison spoke to The Northern Times, in response to the objection, that Brora Coummunity Council and BaDAG (Brora and District Action Group) have given their support to the proposal. He addressed some of the concerns that have been raised and said: “Suggestions that a holiday caravan site would increase poaching, have screaming kids throwing rocks in the river or cause litter problems are completely false – just scaremongering.
“If our application was rejected, the land would remain in council ownership and the opportunity to develop a vacant brownfield site and bring additional visitors to the area will have been missed,” he continued.
Peter Voy, representative for Sutherland Estates, which owns salmon rights on the south bank of the River Brora said of the proposed development: “While we recognise the economic benefits which this proposed development may bring, we have concerns that these may come partially at the expense of the river and fishing.
“Our concerns include waste water treatment and the potential release of pollution into the river, particularly at times of flooding. We also have concerns about a concentrated increase in legitimate leisure activity affecting both the river bank and river in this vicinity.”
Concerns raised via the consultation process will be addressed in due course, and Neil and Sandy are hopeful of a decision by the summer, with a view to opening in spring of 2015.
