Consultation begins on Nairn Common Good land

Council to consult on Nairn Common Good land in respect of a proposal to dispose of an area of land adjacent to the Seamen’s Hall in Nairn to Green Hive.

The Highland Council has today (14 March 2023) launched a Common Good consultation giving the Nairn community until 10 May 2023 to respond to a proposal to dispose of an area of 51.8m² of land adjacent to the Seamen’s Hall, Harbour Street, Nairn which forms part of Nairn Common Good land.

The area of land subject to this consultation is a small strip lying between the Seamen’s Hall and the neighbouring former gas works site. It provides access to the rear of the Seamen’s Hall but is not currently included within the title to that property. It is also not part of the title to the former gas works and therefore, has been assessed as a fragment of land belonging to the former Burgh of Nairn and deriving title from the Royal Charter. As a result it has been assessed as Common Good land.

Green Hive, a charity based in Nairn, who are building capacity by engaging the community in environmental projects and activities, have recently acquired ownership of the Seamen’s Hall. Plans have been developed for the renovation of the property to enable it to continue to be used for the benefit of the community of Nairn. Part of these plans propose the installation of a new entrance to the building, dually accessed from the riverside and Harbour Street which would require a narrow extension along the southern gable. As a result, Green Hive has approached the Council with a request to consider a disposal of the small strip of the land to allow this extension.

Full details of the proposal are contained in the full consultation document. The Council is keen to hear the community’s views on the proposal and all submissions will be given full regard before a decision on whether to proceed is made. Guidance on the process is available on the Council's website. 

Please submit written responses either by email to common.good@highland.gov.uk or by post to Sara Murdoch, The Highland Council HQ, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX.

Consultation representations, responses and any final decision will be published on the Council website.