Moray Council: Could 'ditched' road have solved Elgin's traffic woes?
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Traffic issues are the main concern surrounding proposals to build two new schools and a housing development in Elgin.
Members of Moray Council's planning committee were asked this week to give their views on the proposals.
The first is for a 450-pupil primary in the north of the town near Covesea Road.
The second is for homes with a school on a stretch of land to the south-west, lying between the road to Birnie and the A941 to Rothes.
It was noted by councillor Donald Gatt (Keith and Cullen, Conservative) that the development to the south is close to a proposed route for an Elgin bypass, part of dualling the A96.
Cllr Graham Leadbitter (Elgin South, SNP) called for consideration to be given to the impact on the A941 as it runs through New Elgin where there are pinch points.
Cllr Amber Dunbar (Elgin North, Conservative) raised concerns about parents going into town and dropping off children.
This , she said, could create a potential "nightmare" at the junction of Covesea road and Lossiemouth Road.
In addition, cllr John Divers (Elgin South, Labour) called for traffic calming measures to be considered.
All the views raised at yesterday's meeting will be fed back to the developers.
Cllr Divers also reminded the meeting that a ditched road project could have solved some of Elgin’s traffic problems.
He said: "There was an opportunity to deal with the pinch point on the A941 and it was voted down. That was the western link road."
The route, which would have connected the south and north of the town with a new bridge over the railway line, was a key element of the council’s plans to improve the road network in Elgin.
However it was removed from the capital plan in 2016 after the majority of councillors voted against it.
More than £3million was spent on work for the link road that never came to fruition.
The school in the north includes a nursery and additional support needs unit, with an outdoor play area and car par, plus a drop-off point to the south of Myreside Cottage on Covesea Road.
The site, which is currently farmland, is about two football pitches in size.
Meanwhile, Springfield Properties has lodged a notice of application for the houses and a school to the south-west of Elgin.
Public consultations will be held regarding both proposals.
Related articles: Houses and two new schools proposed for Elgin
