A build-up of new housing in Moray is threatening traditional buildings in the countryside, according to a new report.

The study highlights eight areas which there is little or no scope for further development; Archiestown, Birnie, Craigellachie, Letterfourie, Miltonhill, Mosstowie, Rafford and Roseisle.

In addition, the report states other rural areas are under threat of being overwhelmed by new housing.

The document is set to go before the council's planning and regulatory services committee today, 01 November. If approved, the draft guidance will be subject to a 12-week consultation period and will be circulated to all agents, architects and developers who currently submit planning applications to the council.


Feedback on the consultation will be reported to councillors, after which it is planned the guidance will be adopted as a material consideration in approving applications for housing in the countryside.

The report states: "The rate of new housing in the countryside has been significant and this threatens to merge the character of rural and urban areas.

"In some of the study areas the degree of cumulative build-up has resulted in the landscape being changed so much that the rural environment could not be described as being of high quality.

"Significant change has occurred in the traditional settlement pattern and in some areas new houses are now so numerous and prominent they have imposed a more suburban character in the countryside, with the few traditional buildings in these areas comprising a minor feature.

"The density and increased size of new houses has resulted in them being prominent and overwhelming other landscape qualities."

(LM)