THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT will come under fire once again from Elgin residents and local councillors after overturning a unanimous Moray Council planning decision.
Scottish Government ministers have moved to overturn a planning committee rejection to Springfield Properties plan to build 16 ‘affordable’ homes in the Waulkmill Grove area.
Councillors dismissed the proposal in March despite it being recommended for acceptance by officials, every member of the planning committee saying they were taking account of local objections – most notably because it would mean the destruction of dozens of Scots Pine trees and a local children’s playpark.
However, in May the builders said they would appeal that decision to the Scottish Government – now a government reporter has said the development should go ahead.
In his report John Martin said: “I am minded to allow the appeal and grant planning permission subject to 13 planning conditions being met.”
Now Springfield will press ahead with the development, a spokesman saying: “We are working with Moray Council to fulfil the conditions that will allow the final consent to be issued. With a mix of one, three and four-bedroom homes the proposal will deliver new affordable housing for 16 families.”