Government overturns Moray Council rejection of Ferrylea, Forres development plans

THE SCOTTISH Government is likely to reverse Moray Council's rejection of plans for a new housing development in Forres.

Last October the local authority knocked back Springfield Property's proposal for 316 homes on the southern edge of the town at Ferrylea when it was decided that the application fell short and the developer had done just enough to pass quality audits. Despite being recommended for approval by planning officers, a motion for the application to be denied by Councillor Amy Taylor (Heldon and Laich) was backed by five votes to three with two abstentions.

However, Springfield appealed to the Executive Reporter who has now issued a notice of intention on the case.

He said: "The reporter is minded to grant planning permission subject to a legal agreement being reached and that the reporter's final decision has been deferred to allow the conclusion of that agreement."

Springfield Properties chief executive, Innes Smith, is pleased the Scottish Government appears to have approved the application.

He said: "This is the right decision, it supports the people of Moray with jobs, education and economic development. The need for an appeal has led to delays in the delivery of 237 private homes, 79 affordable homes and 42 student flats which were part of a separate application.

"We would like to work with Moray Councillors to understand how to avoid this kind of delay in future. We look to start work on site later this year."