Consultants appointed to study common good land sale in Forres

The future of common good land in Forres will ultimately be decided by the local community – despite Moray Council appointing consultants on the proposal to sell land at Bogton Road.

That was the assurance repeated this week by Forres councillor George Alexander as Moray Council revealed the identity of the independent consultants appointed to advice the local authority on the financial proposals put forward by Redco Milne.

In May councillors agreed that the “unusual nature” of the offer tabled for land at Bogton Road would be subjected to scrutiny by independent consultants before any further action would be taken.

Developers Redco Milne’s offer of £6.5million for the site on which they plan to build a retail development is for a 35-year lease – with ownership of the land then reverting back to Moray Council.

Moray Council said in a statement this week: “Independent consultants have been appointed to advise Moray Council on the financial proposal submitted by Redco Milne in connection with the company’s proposed retail development at Bogton Road in Forres.

“Culverwell Property Consultants will prepare a report which it is anticipated will be presented to councillors by the end of this year.

“They will work on the report in conjunction with the council’s external legal advisers, Morton Fraser.

“The report will look at a range of issues including the viability of the proposed development, land value, economic benefits, a review of the proposed funding model and other potential funding options.

“It will also examine proposals for the relocation of Forres Mechanics FC’s Mosset Park stadium.”

Councillor George Alexander said that it was of “great comfort” that regardless of any decision taken by councillors “it will be the people of Forres who decide if this proposed development goes ahead”.

Leave a comment