Keith Green Energy Framework approved by Moray Council's Planning and Regulatory Services Committee.

The Keith Green Energy and Infrastructure Framework aims to ensure the most appropriate locations in and around Keith and Blackhillock are used for grid infrastructure and renewable energy storage and systems.

The public was consulted on the draft framework, which will now be used as a material consideration in the development management process. It will also inform the development of the new Local Development Plan.

The Planning and Regulatory Services committee took its decision on Tuesday 19 December.

Committee chair, Cllr David Gordon, said: “Without the Framework, there was a risk that continued unplanned energy infrastructure related development in the Keith area would result in piecemeal development with no forward planning to identify necessary infrastructure or development potential and unacceptable landscape and visual impacts.”

“The new framework will make the planning process swifter, help to deliver facilities and jobs, and assist the council with is transition to net zero by 2030.

“We needed the input of local residents and business to make sure the framework was representative in the future. This is just one step on our long journey to net zero, and now finalised, it should speed up decision-making and help provide greater certainty to developers, investors and communities.”