The proposals include further details on the new design of the homes, landscaping and infrastructure, along with the incorporation of student accommodation within the approved masterplan. The recently submitted Planning Application Notice shows the proposed residential development with a maximum of 180 units and the addition of approximately 40 bed spaces of student accommodation for the plot near Forres.

The £7.5 million Housing Mix Delivery project, part of Moray’s Growth Deal, is funded by Moray Council and the Scottish Government, and will see accessible, affordable and carbon-conscious homes built across Moray with a focus on Speyside, Buckie coastal area and town centre regeneration. The Scottish Government is investing £5m while Moray Council complete the total with £2.5m.

The Dallas Dhu element of the project is a partnership between Moray Council, Altyre Estate and Grampian Housing Association, with a vision to deliver a sustainable community with multi-functional outdoor space to encourage physical activity and food growing.

Chair of Moray Council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, encourages anyone with an interest to attend: “The previous engagement session held in summer 2023 was well attended and I’d encourage anyone locally with an interest in the development, including businesses and individuals looking to build, to head along to the Town Hall on 24 January. Given the addition of student accommodation it’ll be worthwhile having a look at the updated designs and having a chat with the team.”

Robin Livingstone, director of Fraser/Livingstone Architects, added: “We’re looking forward to engaging with the community again to present the ongoing design development work for the Dallas Dhu site since the event held over the Summer. The inclusion of bespoke student accommodation on the site provides a fantastic opportunity to support the delivery of new homes, reinforcing the creation of a mixed, multi-generational new community as a key driver of the Moray Growth Deal ambitions. We’re keen to welcome anyone able to attend and to hear any and all views on the emerging proposals.”

Craig Stirrat, CEO of Grampian Housing Association, said: “Grampian Housing Association is proud to be involved in this ambitious and innovative project to create an inclusive and sustainable community for the people of Forres and Moray. Access to affordable housing is at the heart of everyone’s wellbeing and therefore it is important that residents have to opportunity to consider and share their views on the housing proposals for Dallas Dhu to ensure we get it right.”

Sir Alastair Gordon Cumming, from Altyre Estate, concluded: “We are delighted that the first phase of the Dallas Dhu housing development is progressing well and we look forward to working with our partners as we move to the delivery stage.”