Moray Council consulting public about using common good land for new Forres Academy

A controversial decision to use common good land in connection with building a new school in the centre of Forres will go before the public.

Moray Council voted in May to build the replacement for Forres Academy next to Roysvale Park.

The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 now requires the council to consult the public because such a move would change the use of common good land.

Moray Council says most of the park will only be used temporarily for about 32 months while the building work takes place. It adds that the area will then be restored to its original condition.

However a 40ft strip will become a new bus drop-off area. Meanwhile, new footpaths and drains will be installed throughout the park.

Kathleen Robertson, the leader of Moray Council, said: “We’re committed to ensuring that the development of the new Forres Academy is carried out in a way that considers the needs and views of the entire community.

“I encourage everyone to share their views, as your input will help us balance the needs of the school with preserving valuable community spaces for future generations.”

The Roysvale site was controversially chosen ahead of Lochyhill, which is off the A96 near Forres Enterprise Park.

At the time the council argued that Roysvale was the better option due to its central location, accessibility and potential to be used by other members of the community.

However, when asked earlier this year, the majority of people who responded chose Lochyhill.

Several members of the Forres New Academy forum still maintain that Lochyhill remains a far better choice than next to Roysvale.

Highlighting that the town centre site is prone to flooding, one stated: “Roysvale is a natural green soakaway. What problems are in store for the surrounding area by concreting over the green space?”

A second stated: “The only disadvantages of the Lochyhill site is the cost of building an access road and its non-central location – and it's not that far.”

Meanwhile another said: “Forres is a small attractive town, and we need to preserve and appreciate our green spaces.”

A fourth said: “ Moray Council have forfeited the trust of many Forres people by not being transparent, and by ignoring the community's vote on the siting of the new academy.

“This has led to this unnecessary waste of time and resources on a further consultation, which Moray Council can also ignore.”

Local residents in Forres are encouraged to take part in the consultation by sharing their thoughts before Tuesday, November 12.

A public information drop-in session will be held at Forres Academy on Monday, October 21, from 4pm – 7pm.

Comments on the proposal can be made to learningestate@moray.gov.uk