What price the Common Good?

THE PEOPLE of Forres will learn later this month what value is being placed on Common Good land at Bogton Road, where developers wish to build a retail park.

Following ongoing discussions with Moray Council, Redco Milne will indicate the value at a meeting of Moray Council’s policy and resources committee scheduled for January 21.

The project received planning permission last year, and complex discussions have been ongoing with Moray Council officials over access to the land held in the Forres Common Good account.

Redco Milne has presented an indicative multi-million-pound financial package which will form part of a report going to the committee, and Moray Council is committed to full consultation with the public of Forres before any final decision is made on the future of the land.

"Finally we are in a position to present a report to councillors, containing details of Redco Milne’s preliminary valuation of the land, for their consideration," said a council spokesperson.

"We are well aware that the proposed Bogton Road development is a major issue for the people of Forres, and the position has now been reached where both the council and Redco Milne are able to provide a greater degree of clarity on the financial implications for the Forres Common Good Fund.

"Ultimately it will be a matter for elected members and the residents of Forres to decide, once firm proposals have been presented."

Read the full story in the ‘Gazette’, on shelves later this afternoon.