Morston Assets' designs for a new village have been selected as one of 11 exemplary Scottish sustainable community initiatives.

The development would include 1500 houses, business and industry, shops, a primary school and other community facilities. There would also be canal related leisure and tourism activities.

Morston chief executive David Dodge said: "We are extremely pleased to see our proposal, and the principles which underwrite our approach to the creation of sustainable communities, recognised in this way.

"This has been a great month for the Whitecross project, firstly being featured in the Architects' Journal as an exemplar of sustainability of practice and now having this award confirmed."

The centrepiece of the proposals will be an enterprise centre which acts as a community hub and will provide support services for the businesses as well as a space for lifelong education.
Local councillor John McLuckie believes the development will breathe new life into the village.

He said: "There have been a number of public presentations on the plans over a good few years, and the residents I've spoken to support it.

"I am supportive of the regeneration plans, and although this isn't going to happen overnight, it will be good for the area.

"Morston Assets is a very professional company and I am sure this will definitely happen, even in this economic downturn.

"The area has lost a lot of its employers in recent years, so the plans to create new businesses and shops is really good news."
MSP Cathy Peattie is keen to hear from local residents about their thoughts on the plans.

She said: "In theory it seems like an interesting project, and I'm intrigued to see how it develops in the future.

"It is quite a big undertaking and I'm going to meet with the company to find out what timescales it has for the project."

The Scottish Government's judging panel praised Morston's commitment to partnership working and their emphasis on energy efficiency.

Morston chairman Tom Harrison added: "Our approach is now gaining recognition in a number of sectors.

"This reinforces our decision to continue to resource our sustainable communities programme whilst others have abandoned their commitments in the light of current trading conditions.

"I believe that this will deliver a competitive advantage as the market stabilises."