Planning exhibitions will showcase future potential developments in Moray

A SERIES of exhibitions showcasing future potential housing and business development launches next week.

Nine events will be held in towns and villages across Moray, where members of local communities are welcome to come along and speak with planning officers about future possible developments in Moray.

It comes after the launch of the Main Issues Report last month. Now, visitors to the exhibition will be able to explore how we will use land in the area in the future, including new or expanded infrastructure, schools, health centres and more.

Factors like minimising climate change, balancing the protection of the environment and making space for residents to remain active and healthy citizens, will also be discussed.

All drop-in exhibitions will feature interactive mapping using touch screens, highlighting what development is being proposed in each area. Expansion to the south west of Buckie and east of Forres for housing is being considered. New industrial land is being considered to the south of Elgin, at Waterford in Forres, and to the west of Mosstodloch. More modest expansion is being considered in other towns and villages such as Keith, Fochabers, and Aberlour.

Chair of Moray Council’s Planning & Regulatory Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae said he is looking forward to hearing the views of residents and businesses across Moray.

“We’re in the very early stages of developing our plan for the built environment of Moray from 2020 onwards.

“Staff will be using new methods and technologies to engage with the public and I would encourage anyone with an interest in the future shape of Moray - both residential and commercial - to come along to any of the sessions being held, or indeed to write in with their comments or suggestions.

“This is a great opportunity for people to play a very real part in the future of Moray.”

Those who can’t attend the exhibitions can access more information online on Moray Council’s website: www.moray.gov.uk/mainissuesreport. Copies of the documents are available to view at all Moray Council access points and libraries. Information will also be posted on the Moray Council Planning Facebook page throughout the consultation period.

Responses can be made via the online form, by email to localdevelopmentplan@moray.gov.uk or in writing to Local Development Plan, Development Services, Moray Council, Council Offices, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX.

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.