Nairn is more than just a town to us, it is our home, filled with spaces that give it its unique and cherished character. The Farmer’s Showfield on Lodgehill Road, a central green space that serves as a vital lung for our town, is now under threat due to Planning Application 24/04986/FUL. This proposal seeks to establish a bowling clubhouse, greens and a car park on this precious land, an act that not only conflicts with our Local Development Plan and National Planning Framework policies but also promises to devastate our local environment and community.

The significance of Farmer’s Showfield cannot be understated. It is one of the last remaining open and natural spaces where families gather, children play, and we all breathe a little easier. Its loss would be irreplaceable, affecting not just the environment but the very spirit of Nairn that values its natural beauty and open spaces.

The proposed development would also increase traffic on Waverley and Lodgehill Roads. These are not simply lines on a map. They are vital routes people rely on daily to reach schools, the GP, the vet and the hospital. More traffic here means more safety risks for children and residents who use these streets every day.

Beyond the impact on traffic and green spaces, this proposal represents a breach of trust between the community and planners. The lack of adequate consultation shows a disregard for the voices of Nairn residents who cherish the character and safety of their town.

It is important to remember the history of the Farmer’s Showfield. When the land was first sold, Viscount Finlay included a burden in the deeds that the site should remain green space for all time coming. In 1928 and 1929, the people of Nairn themselves raised funds to purchase the land, contributing sixty percent of the cost to secure it for community use. This is not simply land, it is a legacy handed to us by those who came before.

We must stand together to protect Nairn, its character, its safety and its amenity for present and future generations. The decision makers must hear that the community’s voice deserves respect. Halt this development which stands against our values, our history and our agreed community plans.

This petition supports Save Our Showfield. Please add your name to show support and demand that Planning Application 24/04986/FUL be rejected for the future of Nairn.