Protection plan for Moray’s open spaces given approval

Protection for Moray’s parks and open spaces.

APPROVAL HAS BEEN granted for a new strategy that is aimed at helping to protect and promote open space in Moray.

Public parks, play spaces, sports areas, woodland and green corridors are expected to be the beneficiaries with a draft of the plan being put before the public for an eight-week consultation period starting on Monday.

When finally ratified the strategy will become a material consideration in determining planning applications in Moray, taking account of a document that provides a strategic vision for the provision, development, maintenance and management of open space across Moray (although the area covering Cairngorms National Park is not included).

Among its aims are the protection of open spaces from inappropriate development and greater community involvement in improving and managing open spaces. Scottish Planning Policy already requires planning authorities to protect, enhance and promote green infrastructure.

An audit of Moray’s main centres of population has found that over 90% of homes are within 400 metres of an open space.

As part of the consultation community councils and other relevant groups will be offered the chance to discuss the draft strategy with council officers.

Copies of the document will be available on the Moray Council website and at libraries and access points and it is also proposed to stage a drop-in session at Elgin library on Tuesday, March 21.