Moray Council decision not to renew West Beach car park lease branded ‘absolutely diabolical’ by Lossiemouth Community Council
Moray Council’s decision not to renew its lease of the West Beach car park in Lossiemouth has been branded “absolutely diabolical”.
The local authority announced last week that it will allow its lease of the car park to expire in January 2027 due to changing environmental conditions at the site and the “need” to take a “long-term, sustainable approach” to managing it.
It said that by 2050, the site is expected to fall within the area of active coastal erosion.
Substantial investment, expected to be in excess of £750,000, is needed to reinstate and protect the site. Moray Council says that level of investment makes it “difficult to justify” renewing the lease.
Councillor Marc Macrae, chair of Moray Council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee, said: “The council is continuing conversations with key community representatives, including Lossiemouth Community Development Trust, Lossiemouth Community Council, Moray Golf Club and other local groups, to consider how the site might evolve and what opportunities could exist for the area beyond 2027.
“While this decision will mark a shift in the council’s responsibilities at the site, the commitment to working with the Lossiemouth community remains unchanged.”
Lossiemouth Community Council said it was “utterly dismayed” after the news broke last week labelling the car park “essential to our community, locals and visitors alike”.
The community council has now announced it will hold a public meeting on the implications of coastal erosion for Lossiemouth on May 22 from 6.30pm to 8pm.
A social media post from the community council reads: “Absolutely diabolical that the council are not renewing the lease for our West beach carpark.
“This is a key part of Lossie's infrastructure and we will do whatever we can to ensure we do not lose it.
“We are a coastal town and as such, need to be as proactive as possible to face the challenges ahead for us.”
Details of the public meeting will be advertised closer to the time.
The post adds: “We would invite all those with an interest in getting involved to attend.
“We will be joined by Moray Council, Dynamic Coast and the Scottish Flood Forum.
“We need to take action to protect our town in the coming years and get the best advice we can moving forward.”
