Fears new hotel complex plan could hit Elgin town centre

Fears another out of town development would hit business in the centre of Elgin.
Fears another out of town development would hit business in the centre of Elgin.

PLANS TO BUILD a new hotel, restaurant and leisure facilities in Elgin have sparked further fears of people being drawn away from the town centre.

Planning committee members discussed proposals for the site at Linkwood Place East – but while welcoming any investment in the town, local Labour councillor John Divers expressed concern that it would add to the troubles facing town centre businesses.

Councillor Divers said: “There is some concern from town centre businesses about the future use of this site – but I do take comfort some retail activities are not allowed there.

“But concerns are there – especially when we can see what happened with the Edgar Road sites previously. There have been departures that have been agreed there which have undoubtedly had a negative impact on the town centre.”

While the issue was discussed, as yet no formal planning application has been placed before the committee. Councillors were informed that development in the area was now “more viable” since the town’s new flood defences had been completed.

Views of the public will be sought on the planned development, with a public exhibition taking place on Saturday, September 17 from 11am to 5pm at the New Elgin and Ashgrove Hall.

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