Drop-in exhibitions to showcase future of Moray

DROP-IN exhibitions showcasing what the future of Moray could look like will be held next month.

Moray Council’s planning team will be in Aberlour, Buckie, Elgin, Forres and Keith throughout February to give the public a chance to have their say on the Proposed Plan – part of the preparation of the Local Development Plan 2020.

The plan represents the ‘settled’ view of the council, which means it’s not expected that the final plan’s content will differ much from what’s being proposed. There’s now a 10-week consultation period under way, with all comments or objections to be received by 15 March. In the last round of consultation more than 400 responses were received, and these helped create the policies within this Proposed Plan.

In Scotland there’s a ‘plan-led system’ - meaning that planning decisions are made in accordance with the Local Development Plan. The plan sets out where development should – or shouldn’t – take place. It sets out the best locations for new homes and businesses, describes how any new facilities such as roads, schools and parks will be provided. It also protects places of value to people or wildlife.

Chair of Moray Council’s Planning & Regulatory Services Committee, Cllr David Bremner, said planning decisions impact on daily life.

“How people travel, live, shop, work or spend leisure time is often influenced by planning.

“Therefore, ensuring the Local Development Plan delivers places that people want to live, work and invest in is important.”

Information events are set out below, alternatively more information can be found at www.moray.gov.uk/ProposedPlan2019.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.