Plan to transform Burghead Parish Church into Scotmid supermarket sees concerns raised with Moray Council

Plans to transform a town’s church into a supermarket have sparked concerns that the proposal could cause parking, safety and community well-being issues.

Burghead Parish Church was closed by the Church of Scotland as part of cost saving measures on December 31, 2023.

However, Scotmid is proposing to convert the building into a food convenience store and in doing so, relocate from its smaller existing premises in Burghead.

A spokesperson for the retailer told The Northern Scot that the new site, if consented, would offer shoppers a more “accessible and spacious site” which will better serve the local community.

Scotmid also says that developing the new store will allow the business to offer a wider product range.

But a recent objection submitted to Moray Council by a neighbour has expressed concerns regarding the plans.

That includes claimed parking issues particularly at school times with a junction near the church being labelled “hazardous” during peak times.

The objector suggests that delivery times for restocking the shop, if it becomes a reality, be scheduled outside of school drop-off times to ease some of these issues.

The letter adds: “We would like to know what measures will be taken to make the roads safer around the church and the school.

“Could a pedestrian crossing be installed on Grant Street by the school to slow down traffic and enhance safety?”

Concerns regarding an increase in litter and a lack of safe storage space nearby for bicycles were also raised.

The letter also suggests that CCTV be installed to “deter gatherings or vandalism”.

It adds: “While we appreciate our community’s vibrancy, we are concerned about a potential increase in antisocial behaviour.

“Keeping the Coop in the village is important to us, but we would like to see more detailed plans addressing parking and safety as the application progresses.”