Flooding fears force mart plan rejection
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PLANS for 101 homes and a restaurant at a central Elgin site have been rejected over flooding fears.
Aberdeen and Northern Estates Ltd wanted to transform the auction site in New Elgin.
However, Moray Council's planning committee unanimously rejected the proposal on Tuesday after members heard a flood risk assessment lacked detail.
Earlier plans for the Linkwood Road site, including Sainsbury's hopes for a supermarket, were also thwarted because of drainage issues.
Serious flooding in 2002 affected homes neighbouring the site and they have been subject to regular inundation since.
The newest outline plans included 67 houses and 34 flats as well as a family-style restaurant.
Among the 25 representations received were those from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Moray Flood Risk Management.
Planning officer Angus Burnie said: "It is well known that the site is liable to inundation and has done so several times in the past. A detailed flood risk assessment is required but the level of information given has been considered insufficient by both SEPA and Moray Flood Risk Management.
"The assessment details a number of sources of flooding, more than what actually was identified in the agent's late representation."
The site lies within the ward of Elgin South Councillor John Divers (Labour), who asked if the application could be deferred to allow the applicant to provide more information. But Mr Burnie said they had already been asked several times.
Independent Cllr John Cowe (Heldon and Laich) said there is a bigger problem with flooding at the site that has not been resolved for many years. He added: "We have a huge site there and it appears to be that it just cannot be developed so what needs to be done to make that happen?"
The committee heard options will be available in the 2022 local flood risk management plan which will be prioritised for government funding. During a site visit, Conservative Cllr Claire Feaver (Forres) suggested any new development on the site should incorporate elements of its history.
That call was backed by SNP Cllr Aaron McLean (Forres) who said: "I agree with her that any new development should give some idea of the past, like the pagoda that is on top of the existing building. It would be nice to see that kept in the future."
He added: "I think this is an example of the developer not working with the local community and the council, they just haven't done enough."
The councillor also suggested if they were to come back with a revised plan then two-storey flats would be more fitting for the area, as opposed to the three-storey proposal in the initial plan.
