Moray Council-submitted plans for new Forres Academy building attract tens of objections
Plans for a new Forres Academy building, described by one local as a “huge intrusive blot”, have attracted over 50 objections amid concerns over flooding, mental health and safety during construction.
The current school building, which dates back to the 1960s, was graded as Condition D, the worst level possible, in 2021. This meant the building faced a “serious risk of imminent failure”.
The problems continued and in 2023 the school was the only such facility in Moray to be found with dangerous RAAC concrete.
The discovery prompted the temporary closure of the school and areas of the building to become unusable.
Roysvale Park and the playing fields of the adjacent Applegrove Primary School were identified as the preferred site for a new school building with an official planning application submitted by Moray Council on September 23.
Members of the public have until November 4 to make comments on the publication.
A total of 51 objections have been lodged so far alongside eight comments submitted in favour of the proposal.
Funeral directors Tom Ross and Sons, which is located directly opposite the proposed location, are among those objecting to the plans.
The firm says that the “calm and respectful environment” they need to provide a “dignified service” to the bereaved could be undermined by the level of noise and disruption caused during the construction phase.
“Such disturbance would be deeply distressing to grieving families and could cause reputational and operational harm to our business,” the firm’s objection reads.
“In addition, we are concerned about the potential for damage to our building during construction works, particularly from ground vibration and heavy equipment use during the sub-structure phase.”
Concerns regarding the site’s close proximity to the War Veterans’ Cottages have also been raised.
One objector said: “They are home to vulnerable residents, some of whom suffer from PTSD, and other disabilities.
“The quiet, safe, low-traffic nature of this location is essential to mental health.
“Construction and operation of a large secondary school will introduce sustained levels of noise, disruption, and visual disturbance.
“There is no evidence of meaningful thought or consultation with residents or any PTSD-sensitive impact assessment being carried out.”
Other objectors claim that the proposed site is prone to flooding with one adding that it is “known for poor surface drainage”.
“Any development could increase flood risk to surrounding homes and some of these properties have been flooded already,” they added.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has submitted a holding objection due to a lack of information in relation to flood risk.
Other concerns relate to the height of the proposed development, parking, reduction of natural light and the loss of green space children attending the nearby Applegrove Primary School.
“People do not move and live in Forres to send their children to a concrete school,” another objector said.
“This ain't New York where there is no other options.”
One resident supporting the application claims the proposed location is “ideal”.
They said: “I support the plan as it would be nice to have a safe, purpose built building in time for my primary school grandchildren attending the academy.
“I think it is an ideal central area of town, close to the existing school.”
Another said that while the location is not perfect, it is the only “practical solution”,
They added: “I do not wish to see the young people of Forres banished out of town.
“Money spent acquiring and developing an alternative site will almost certainly be money taken from the capital build monies available.
“As much money as possible needs to go into the school build to provide first class modern facilities and a build that will not need replacing in 50 years time.”
It is hoped that pupils will move into the new school from October 2028.
However, Moray Council’s deadline for reaching a decision on the application is January 13, 2026.