LAND will be required for 1,150 houses in Elgin over the next 10-15 years, planners have predicted.
But a bid for another major expansion of Elgin South has not won approval in the draft Moray Local Development Plan at this stage.
Springfield Properties, which has previously approved plots at Linkwood East, Waulkmill, Thornhill and Birnie Road/Glassgreen yet to be developed in the next few years, comprising a total of more than 500 houses, has signalled its desire for a major southern expansion.
But planners say there would be landscape constraints and transportation issues with the proposed development.
Springfield is also behind proposals for an Elgin Business Park at Barmuckity, on the eastern approach to the town, which is favoured by planners. Funding remains the key to when work will start on that business park.
Innes Smith, managing director of Springfield Properties, said: "Deciding on expansion to the south shows ambition and confidence, and can deliver the council’s vision for population growth by creating high-quality jobs and attractive places to live.
"This is a package which can make Elgin a more desirable place to live, work and do business, and we recommend it to local people."
The local development plan sets out how Elgin will grow until at least 2020 and beyond, and Mr Smith said it is really important that a long-term view is taken and the best outcome is achieved for Elgin and its people.
Across Moray, planners predict that almost 2,500 houses will be needed over the lifetime of the plan, with close to 80% of them affordable housing for those unable to afford to buy or rent on the open market.
Not part of the development plan proposal is a reserved line for an Elgin bypass, which has been previously included by planners.
This follows the announcement by the Scottish Government that it intends to dual the entire length of the A96 from Aberdeen to Inverness by 2030, which will necessitate a major review of the trunk road corridor.
Transport Scotland, the Government’s transport agency, has said that there is no requirement to safeguard potential routes around Elgin at this stage.
The Elgin exhibition takes place on Wednesday, January 23 at Elgin Library from 3-8pm.
