An outline planning application to invest up to £70m in the transformation of land on the western edge of Nairn, bringing hundreds of jobs to the local community, was today lodged with the Highland Council.

The proposed concept masterplan for a mixed-use development at Delnies, was lodged by the Cawdor Maintenance Trust and aims to help the former Victorian spa resort of Nairn reclaim its title as the 'Brighton of the North'.

The masterplan includes the redevelopment of existing farm steadings at Delnies which will provide the focus for three tourist related developments, including an 18-hole championship golf course.

The proposed development comprises of Tourism and Heritage Centre at Easter Delnies, an equestrian centre at Wester Delnies and a hotel, spa and conference facilities at the Hilton of Delnies.

There will also be an 18-hole championship golf course, clubhouse, academy and driving range plus an ecological centre with associated bird watching hides and car parking.

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The development will include a Community woodland, an integrated public footpath and cycleway network.

Up to 300 houses will be built with associated access and infrastructural works

It is estimated that in total the project is likely to create over 525 jobs, with many of these, including those in construction and services, expected to be filled by people local to the area.

The value to the economy is estimated to be a planned capital investment of £70m over the period of its construction. Should the proposals be approved, work on site will likely commence in early 2010.

A sensitively developed residential element of up to 300 houses of mixed design, type and tenure, including 25% affordable housing, will 'enable' the tourist and community based projects to be developed elsewhere on the site.

The policy principle of 'enabling' development, with the residential element cross-subsidising the other aspects of the development, is well established in Scotland. In this respect a robust, independent financial viability assessment of the proposals has been carried out and the 300 proposed housing units represents the minimum required to 'cross fund' the tourist and community facilities which form a key part of the vision for this part of Nairn.

Alan Farningham, lead consultant on the project and Director of Planning with the Farningham McCreadie Partnership part of the White Young Green Group Plc, said: "Nairn is a place without comparison in the Moray Firth area, and through these proposals the Cawdor Maintenance Trust aims to invigorate Nairn by providing improved tourist, leisure and community facilities.

"This planned development is important for the ongoing and future economic development of Nairn and the Highlands, and will make a major contribution to the local economy and community."

(GK/JM)