Moray residents are being urged to have their say on the future of their communities when a public roadshow kicks off in Aberlour this evening.
Up for discussion is the Moray Local Plan, a blueprint that will be used to guide planning decisions taken by Moray Council over the forthcoming 10 years.
The plan seeks to identify parts of Moray that should be set aside for housing or industrial use and has already sparked protests and objections, in particular in the Forres and Findhorn areas where a 24-acre parcel of land at Cassieford has been deemed as suitable for industrial use.
Community councillors in both communities have already voiced their opposition to that proposal, saying that further industrial land in the area is not required when so much already exists that is not in use – and in any case industrial development in the area would spoil the natural view at Findhorn Bay.
One of the leading voices against developing the area is Forres businessman mark Ellis, who said: “We want as many people as possible to go along to the roadshow when it comes to Forres a week on Wednesday.
“Whether you oppose the idea of another industrial area in Forres or actually support it, now is the time to make your feelings known.”
The roadshow dates and venues are (all 4pm to 8pm):
- Aberlour Fleming Hall – Today (15 April)
- Lossiemouth Town Hall – Tomorrow (16 April)
- Elgin Library – Thursday, 17 April
- Dufftown Mortlach Memorial Hall – Monday, 21 April
- Buckie Townhouse – Tuesday, 22 April
- Forres Town Hall – Wednesday, 23 April
- Fochabers Institute – Thursday, 24 April
Planning officers from Moray Council will attend all sessions while the deadline for comments on the draft local plan is May 2.