Scandinavian-style forest homes planned

Posted on 2 January 2008 by Charcol

1 comment(s)

Controversial proposals to build 'eco-homes' in an area of Scottish pine forest are due to be submitted to planning authorities this month.

The plans, backed by the Forestry Commission (FC), would see a new settlement constructed at Kilnhill Wood near Nairn. The development would comprise 32 "low-carbon" homes, and inhabitants would be expected to agree to live greener lifestyles that include schemes such as car-sharing.

The idea is based on Scandinavian low-impact forest communities, which proponents hope could form a blueprint for more Scottish developments in the future. The FC's Phil Whitfield told BBC News that the commission was interested in seeing people "becoming more intimately connected with trees".

"Living in a forest, as opposed to some landscaping around a housing development, is really where this idea came from," he said.

However, concerned local residents have formed a group to oppose the plans, which they say will have a detrimental impact on the forest, its wildlife and the local people who use it for recreation.

Quoted in the Forres Gazette in November, Friends of Kilnhill Wood spokesperson Terry Cowan said: "It is truly outrageous for a public body such as the FC to attempt to bend the existing rules for the sole reason to make money."

Terry Cowan says:

Many thanks for covering this article but the objections we have as a local group are much wider. These include increased traffic on an already busy road, lack of local infrastucture support (schools, medical, shops, etc), the loss of a well used local amenity, complete disruption of a natural eco system which is home for a number of rare flora, fauna and many wild animals(some of which are protected by law). Then of course there is the issue of eco-housing, low carbon footprint, sustainability and of course affordable all of which are great buss words but are a complete contradictions to the ethos and thought behind the planning. The Forestry Commission are attempting to circumvent the planning system by making use of elements of Scottish Planning Policy 15 whilst ignoring key areas of the same policy as well as the recently released SPP11.
I would greatly enjoy the chance to put our case forward should you wish to expand the article.

Terry Cowan
Posted on 04/01/2008 12:07 by Terry Cowan

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