Deal nearly done for Council to buy 33 Pinegrove homes
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BOARDED-up ex-MOD homes at Pinegrove in Elgin could be in Council hands by the end of March.
The 33 homes near the A96 have suffered repeated vandalism and anti-social behaviour after MOD tenants were moved out.
Moray Council confirmed they are in talks with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and that these are "nearing conclusion".
Once purchased, the Council plans to allocate housing list applicants to some of the homes in the Pinefield area from mid-April onwards.
A Council spokesperson said: “We are negotiating the purchase of 33 properties at Pinegrove, Elgin, from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).
"These negotiations are nearing conclusion and we aim to take possession of the properties by the end of March 2023."
The spokesperson also said work would be required to make the homes fit for new occupants.
Highlighting the history of vandalism and damage, they confirmed that detailed plans to carry out the works have been put in place.
The spokesperson said: "The properties have been vacant for some time and some have been subjected to vandalism.
"In advance of the sale we have assessed their condition, which varies, and have plans in place to complete necessary works efficiently.
"We are hoping to be in a position to begin allocating some of the properties to housing list applicants from mid/late-April onwards."
An MOD spokesperson backed up the Council's statement and confirmed that a deal was nearly done.
The spokesperson said: “We are in discussion with Moray Council about the sale of a small number of existing MoD properties in Elgin that are no longer required.
"Negotiations are nearing a conclusion and the Council aim to take possession of the properties by the end of the month.”
