Planning in Moray: Flagpole can stay in Findhorn
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A flagpole at the entrance to Findhorn’s conservation area will stay in place following a vote today.
Moray Council's planning officers had previously ruled that the 15ft-high mast was "visually intrusive" and did not adhere to high design standards.
Today, however, councillors by one vote decided to grant retrospective planning permission.
A petition gained more than 100 signatures in support of keeping the pole in the grounds of 195 Findhorn.
Meanwhile Findhorn and Kinloss Community Council objected, stating the feeling that the location was insensitive and disrespectful, plus the flags flown upon it could cause offence.
Speaking at today's meeting, Paul McBain (Forres, Conservative) said: "I don’t feel it’s an eyesore whatsoever."
Cllr McBain added that the same type of flagpole is used at Edinburgh Castle and Bannockburn visitor centre.
Sonya Warren (Buckie, SNP) also backed the appeal.
She said: "I don’t know why this flagpole is causing such a concern.
"It’s on the verge of the conservation area, and I don’t think it contravenes any planning regulations."
Draeyk Van Der Horn (Forres, Green) disagreed.
He said: "If this flagpole is accepted, any flag could fly there including one with Mickey Mouse on it."
Cllr Van Der Horn felt its proximity to the war memorial and the entrance to the conservation area could be seen to "send a collective village message".
He was seconded by Marc Macrae, the chairman of the local review body which heard the appeal.
Cllr Macrae (Fochabers/Lhanbryde, Conservative) said: "This is not a matter about a flag. I think the only flag banned from being flown is that of ISIS.
"But it is important that we look after our conservation areas to help protect character. And we have a policy for a very firm reason."
Concerns were also expressed that the flagpole added to an already cluttered street scape.
The appeal to keep the flagpole was approved by four votes to 3.
There were no abstentions.
