Transition Town Forres community asset transfer public consultation extended

THE PUBLIC consultation period on a Community Asset Transfer request for Common Good land in Forres is likely to be extended.

Spokesperson, Rosie Tait, confirmed the extension should allow Transition Town Forres (TTF) time to produce a report designed to put a monetary value on the benefits the charity brings to the area from its rented site at Bogton.

She said: "Gaining ownership of the land would help to ensure the security of the Community Gardens, which support over 50 plots for local gardeners to grow their own food, helping to fulfil the council’s own obligation in relation to community provision of allotments.

"It would allow us to develop our environmental learning centre, which supports courses and events on sustainable living, free wellbeing classes for the over 50s, 'Let's Eat' classes for socially disadvantaged groups, in addition to our 'Growing Strong' project, Moray Food Plus, Repair Cafes, and Local Exchange Trading days."

She added: "We are working with Forres Area Community Trust to create transportation links between High Street and Bogton Road. A successful application to the Scottish Land Fund will allow us to build on partnerships and open our own doors for longer periods so that we become more accessible and responsive."

TTF has run a number of projects from its Bogton site since 2009, including free cooking and wellbeing classes, social events and interest group cafés.

Initially, the group benefitted from a low rental agreement with Moray Council which ran out in 2020, leading to an annual increased charge of £3000 to over £13,000.

Substantial grants from the Forres Common Good Fund ensured survival through 2020-22, but these were secured on the understanding that the TTF board prepare a business plan demonstrating financial viability including the ability to meet site rental costs.

A successful Community Asset Transfer (CAT) application would mean that TTF would effectively be owners of the site, removing ongoing rental costs and allowing the charity to develop facilities further.

As a result, TTF sees a CAT as essential to its future.

Ms Tait said: "An almost 400 per cent rent increase is not something we as a small charity can realistically afford to pay.

"We want to retain our community-led objectives, to be inclusive and retain our focus on supporting groups who are disadvantaged. Ensuring a range of affordable and often free classes is at odds with attempting to generate sufficient income to pay rent of £13,200.

"We just couldn’t do it without sacrificing what we are about."

The Forres-based Moray Councillors who agreed the Common Good Fund grants are broadly supportive of TTF’s application.

Cllr Lorna Creswell (Independent) said: "I'm keen for TTF to be recognised as providing a space where people grow vegetables and fruit, then cook or bake them within their building. They have provided a much-needed facility for people to meet and reduce isolation whilst tending garden pods.

"The rent is not affordable for them so I voted for them to be supported."

However, cllr George Alexander (Independent) explained that, when TTF first occupied the site the building was not in good condition so it was agreed to charge rent of £40,000 over 10 years and TTF would upgrade the building.

He said: "It was also agreed that after 10 years they would pay commercial rent which is now assessed as £18,000. TTF did not pay rent last year and this year the rent has been offset which equates to £25,000 in unpaid rent to the Common Good."

The original CAT consultation period started on November 10 and closed on January 5. An extension is expected to commence in late March. Those who made a representation as part of the original consultation will also be invited to respond to a future consultation on any additional material submitted.