EIGHT MEMBERS OF the Moray Council planning committee today decided the fate of a £3.5million store expansion bid by Lossiemouth firm Grampian Furnishers.
Following a tense meeting in which owner Royce Clark put his case followed by the only object, Elgin BID, councillors approved planning for the new showroom complex to be built on the outskirts of Elgin.
There was only three objectors noted in the planning application, one of the most supported ever in Moray with thousands signing a petition in support of the family firm.
The planning committee upheld the recommendation of Moray Council officers that permission should be granted for the demolition of Waulkmill House and outbuildings, building of the two-storey furniture showroom with café, which extends to almost 3,000m2, and parking for 110 cars.
Councillor Marc Macrae proposed acceptance of the recommendations of planners – his motion seconded by Councillor Donald Gatt. However, following detailed questioning of officials by all four SNP councillors, a proposal to reject was placed by Councillor David Bremner, seconded by Councillor Amy Patience.
The motion was carried by six votes to two. We will have more on this story later.