Forres Academy replacement plans were discussed by Moray Council reps and a large audience at Forres Town Hall

Many in the audience at a public meeting in the town hall expressed anger about the chosen site for the new Forres Academy.

A panel of Moray Council representatives revealed illustrated plans for the building during the pre-application notice at Applegrove playing fields, scheduled to be constructed by 2028, then fielded more than 40 questions - most of which alluded to perceived issues at the site - during the consultation from 6-8pm on Tuesday, June 24.

Learning estate programme manager Andy Hall, education depute chief executive Denise Whitworth and chief executive Karen Greaves BEM were joined by employees from JM Architects, Goodsons, Rybka, Balfour Beatty and Hub North Scotland to discuss comments from the public about the new build’s design.

The four Forres Moray Councillors helped bring the total attendance to 111.

Cllr Draeyk van der Horn (Forres, Greens) thought the session raised important points but was “at times disrupted by repeated interruptions” and “dominated by a small number of voices”.

He said: “Some of the comments made appeared to reflect a lack of clarity about the current stage of the proposal and the wider process.

“I have asked officers for clarification on several specific points. These matters will become clearer as the planning process progresses.“

Spokesperson for Facebook group, Forres New Academy Forum, Yvonne Findlay, was not surprised by the line of questions for the panel.

She said: “The forum has been highlighting serious concerns since November, 2023. Those who want the school at Applegrove fail to understand the impact on our veterans, traffic congestion impacting children attending three schools in the town centre, loss of playing fields for a primary with enhanced facilities for children with additional support needs, unresolved longstanding flooding issues etc.

“I have attended all of the presentations that Moray Council have held and witnessed distress of attendees over the lack of tangible answers while their concerns are glibly batted away. We are repeatedly referred to the FAQs page on the council website but there are no answers there either.”

A number of audience members felt that the event had been poorly facilitated. Microphones did not appear to work properly and on-screen graphics were difficult to read at times.

“The problems with sound and presentation were due to lack of preparation” said Ms Findlay. “It was unclear if this was to be a seated event or walk about display - there was no information about format on the tickets from Eventbrite and people were arriving post presentation. Indeed, there was no welcome at the door, setting the tone for the evening.”

Former Moray councillor, Lorna Creswell, found the event “confusing”, introduced as early stages of consultation but followed up with detailed plans.

She said: “The presentations we were mainly made by people from outside Forres with little local experience.

“From the beginning, the audience was frustrated by questions going unanswered, or answered with little consideration of aspects of the location.”

Former leader of Moray Council, George Alexander, has been unimpressed by the entire school planning process.

He said: “The presentation got off to a very poor start as the audio system did not work well. The presenters would have been well advised to carry a laser pointer with them, as the audience had no idea what they were pointing at on the slides.

“I was surprised to be told that the considerable distance from the school to the main car park will encourage teachers to walk more and there will be no provision of a shuttle bus.”

George acknowledged that the most vocal section of the audience was against the site chosen for the new school but pointed out that this is no longer up for discussion.

He said: “We can only hope that something will yet turn up to change the site away from Applegrove. Perhaps the architects and planners could incorporate the land across the Mosset Burn as part of a new build.

”I doubt we will see very much happen as a result of these meetings, except that the contractor will progress the new build which is already years overdue and we will be left with a ‘monstrous carbuncle’.”

Moray Council is processing the feedback received at the meeting, and welcomes further input on the design via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7SBFCT6, written submissions on forms available from Forres Library or email to learningestate@moray.gov.uk.

A further event is planned for August 19 to provide a summary of the views expressed.

A council spokesperson said: “We will continue to provide opportunities for the community to stay informed and involved. Ongoing information is available on the council website.”

Cllr van der Horn hopes more members of the community contribute to the process going forward.

He finished: “Clearer communication could help address some of the misunderstandings and misinformation that have been circulating.

“Misconceptions could jeopardise a rare opportunity to improve our school for future generations.”

For more information visit http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_151261.html