Plans for the first phase of the ambitious Dallas Dhu Masterplan have been given the green light by Moray Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Committee.
The approval marks a major step forward in a project designed to boost housing availability and create a vibrant, sustainable community.
The masterplan is a collaboration between Moray Council and Altyre Estate, aiming to transform the area with a mix of affordable housing, student accommodation, and innovative home-building opportunities.
The £7.5 million Housing Mix Delivery project forms part of Moray’s Growth Deal and is funded jointly by Moray Council and the Scottish Government.
A £5 million investment from the Scottish Government is being matched by a £2.5 million contribution from Moray Council to develop key housing sites in Speyside, Buckie, Forres, and Elgin.
The Dallas Dhu project is set to introduce a sustainable community with outdoor spaces designed to encourage physical activity and food growing.
Phase one of the development will deliver 24 affordable homes, providing much-needed housing in the region.
A 40-bed student accommodation block, developed by Altyre Estate, will address growing demand from students in the local area.
Four serviced plots will be available for custom-built housing, offering opportunities for individuals to create bespoke homes.
Six additional plots will be designated as a Housing Innovation Area, fostering creative and sustainable building solutions.
Councillor Marc Macrae, Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, welcomed the approval, calling it a significant milestone.
He highlighted the importance of delivering affordable and accessible housing, emphasising the progress made by the teams involved.
Robin Livingstone, Director at Fraser/Livingston Architects, praised the development for its landscape-led approach, ensuring the new community integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.
He noted that the mix of housing tenures and designs would create a dynamic, multi-generational neighbourhood with a focus on walkability, green spaces, and social connection.
The collaborative effort between Moray Council and Altyre Estate has allowed for a more integrated design approach, which is expected to enhance the overall success of the project.
A spokesperson for Altyre Estate expressed enthusiasm about the development, stating that this first phase will play a crucial role in meeting housing and accommodation needs in Forres.
With planning approval secured, work can now begin on transforming the Dallas Dhu site into a thriving, sustainable community that benefits residents, students, and the wider Moray region.
