'We need somewhere to play': Maryburgh opposition to housing proposal strengthens with scores of objections to 'destruction' of heart of community
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THE heart of a Ross-shire community will be destroyed and generations of children "robbed" if a controversial housing proposal goes ahead, it has been claimed.
Scores of local objections to Highland Council plans for a 16-home development on land at the former Maryburgh Primary also, ironically, include concerns the new school built to replace it in neighbouring Conon could be pushed over-capacity as a result.
The local authority has already faced a demonstration by campaigners at the area used for children to play and an annual gala. Locals have now waded in with around 70 objections.
Alex Matheson wrote: "This proposed development would rob this current and future generations of the village and simply must not be allowed to happen". He said it was "one of the most valuable assets the village has to build community and facilitate amenity".
Jenni and Tony Russell also lodged objections via the council's ePlanning network, accusing it of "a total disregard of the local community and our only green space".
Another wrote: "We have already lost our school and we do not want to lose an area where children play and is the heart of the community".
Jenny MacLennan of Maryburgh Amenities Company earlier led a public demonstration at the site for which 12 flats, three terraced units and a bungalow are now planned. She said earlier promises to safeguard most of the green area had been broken. She said: "The council are pulling a fast one, to use central government funding to meet their affordable housing targets with no concern to the ongoing detriment to the local community."
She said Maryburgh had already been deprived of its school with its replacement at Conon already near capacity. She said: "They are trying to annex an area where generations of children have enjoyed freedom to enjoy the outdoors in safety."
Alternative plans to use newly available town centre funding for a community buyout are being probed.
Objector Lynne Clark wrote: “Yet again Maryburgh are fighting to preserve their much loved community. How sad that after the loss of the school we have to now battle to save the green space which is an integral part of community life for old and young all year round, providing a hub of well-being.”
Maureen Ringrose said future generations would be badly affected “due to bad planning”.
She wrote: “Traffic on Hood Street is already at a premium and to add 16 extra households will be a major concern. The idea of flats rising up in the middle of our village green is appalling and not in keeping with what little character you have left us. Please think again. We know housing is a necessity but so is leaving our heritage for future generations, if you spoil every community with bad planning we are not leaving them very much to be proud of.”
Theo Ross simply stated : “We need somewhere to play.”
Theresa Semple said: "It would be a travesty to deprive the Maryburgh children now and in the future of this remaining and historical green space."
While a number of people acknowledge the strong demand for more housing, many objectors say there are other preferable sites around the village.
Highland Council said the proposal is under consideration and that all comments "will be taken into account".
It is not yet known when the application will be decided.
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