End in sight to Bogton Road saga

A long-running debate over the future of Common Good land at Bogton Road in Forres could finally be settled by the end of next month.

Consultants appointed last year to evaluate an offer from Aberdeen-based Redco Milne in relation to a proposed retail development on the site have said their report will be in the hands of Moray Council by September 30.

Council officers have indicated that they will be in a position to submit the findings of the consultants’ report to councillors within four weeks of that date and have suggested October 27 as a date for a special meeting of full council where the Redco Milne proposals could finally be determined.

An update on the situation will go before elected members next week when it will be suggested to them that October 27 is set as an absolute deadline in terms of a final decision.

It had been anticipated that the final report from consultants Culverwell would have been received months ago but it has been delayed on several occasions.

A report to next week’s meeting states: “It is recognised that the delays and uncertainty have caused concerns in the local community.

“Any continuing delay in receivingthe Culverwell report would exacerbate community concerns and the council may wish to consider setting a backstop date for its receipt, failing which it would consider the issues based on the best advice then available.”