Moray Council has granted Dallas Community Development Trust permission to build a play area, gym and car park
A new outdoor gym, play area and car park in the centre of a local village has been given the go-ahead.
Last November, Dallas Community Development Trust (DCDT) applied to demolish a neighbouring unused shop and house on Main Street to build a fenced pitch, area with gym equipment and parking space for community use - Moray Council has now granted planning permission, despite unpaid charges for non-domestic rates and council tax accrued before the site was purchased by the trust.
Dallas resident and trustee, Fiona Gibson, confirmed the group is delighted to have received planning permission.
She added: “It is a step closer to our goal, but we recognise that we have a long way to go yet, including planning conditions that need to be met as well as raising funding.”
The shop was originally operated by an Aberdeenshire company, then by resident Ethel Hay who lived in the bungalow behind it. After her death, it remained unoccupied.
When the derelict site off Main Street became available, DCDT was formed to buy it on behalf of the community. The community then provided suggestions for alternative uses and voted on the preferred option.
Fellow trustee, Jim Mountford explained that, despite being given the green light by the local authority, the project is yet to comply with issues on asbestos, historic surveys and contamination.
“This is in progress,” he said. “We are seeking finance to proceed with the demolition and continue with our plans for a community recreation area.”
After DCDT purchased the site, they were hit with council tax demands for the house and non-domestic rates for the general store, despite the fact that the site has for so long been empty and derelict.
A council spokesperson explained that the trust does not qualify for exemption on either council tax or non-domestic rates, the taxes remain payable.
He added: “The planning determination is completely separate to any discussion about council tax. This doesn’t form any part of the planning process considerations.”
Jim conceded that, in terms of the community charges, the trust is still held liable for payment.
He said: “The council are understanding of our position and are not yet aggressive in pursuit.”
He added: “It is difficult to give any timescale for the whole project which we envisage will be done in three stages. Much will depend on our progress in seeking funding.”
