Local views to be sought on tree planting sites

LOCAL views are to be sought on compensatory planting in Moray.

A number of locations for new trees have been identified and councillors agreed this morning to seek feedback from local groups and community associations.

Additional or alternative suggestions will also be sought.

If a planning application which involves the removal of woodland gets the go-ahead, developers are expected to provide compensatory planting either elsewhere on the site, offsite in land within their ownership, or make a payment which allows Moray Council to engage an external organisation to carry out tree planting.

To date, £17,600 has been received in payments for compensatory planning, as well as £20,000 in developer obligations for a community woodland in Buckie.

Discussions are already underway regarding proposed planting at sites including Forres Railway Station, and the flood alleviation schemes in Elgin and Forres.

Suggestions for additional planting sites, as well as comments on the list will be sought from Community Councils and associations, as well as local amenity and access groups.

Planning and regulatory services committee chairman, Cllr David Bremner said: "There is an opportunity to significantly enhance existing spaces in Moray’s towns and villages, through a programme of woodland planting.

"This would bring amenity and biodiversity value to these areas, supporting the principles of the open space strategy."

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