Council thumbs up for conservation area planning changes

Councillors approved changes for Keith and Forres conservation areas.

TWO MORAY TOWNS have had management plans approved that will see their conservation area status become ‘material considerations’ in future planning applications.

The change for the Keith and Forres conservation areas was approved yesterday by Moray Council’s planning and regulatory services committee.

Documents had been produced in support of the Keith CARS and on behalf of the Forres Conservation Area Working Group – but until Tuesday’s decision they had no formal status in the local authority planning process.

Councillors learned on approving the adoption of the documents that they would provide guidance to prevent harm and promote enhancement to owners, agents and contractors undertaking repair or maintenance work on traditional buildings within the conservation areas.

The report to the planning committee explained: “The documents will become material considerations in the determination of planning applications and will assist in the active management of the conservation areas so that they are preserved and enhanced for future generations.”