Planning in Moray: Would you like six of the best?
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Residents are about to be asked their views on a series of proposed improvements to six Moray towns.
The council has prepared a long list of projects it wants to carry out in Aberlour, Buckie, Dufftown, Forres, Keith and Lossiemouth.
An eight-week consultation process, starting next Tuesday, will ask folk to give their opinions.
The full range of proposals can be found by clicking HERE and going to issue number nine on the planning committee's agenda, as well as the individual appendixes.
However, set out below is a taster of what the council currently has in mind for each of the six towns.
Aberlour
A report written by the council says: "The area of the Square outside the Co-op and Garther’n is currently dominated by car parking which is visually unattractive and limits the use and space available for pedestrians and cyclists."
Rather than giving priority given to vehicles, the council wants instead to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
"This," it adds, "would also create potential outdoor space for businesses to utilise for events or outdoor eating."
The same report proposes replacing the playpark equipment in Alice Littler Park.
The path network will be also be upgraded to create an accessible network around the park and into the town centre.
In addition, the council will investigate the feasibility for motorhome provision in the adjacent car park adjacent.
Buckie
The council is proposing to remove car parking from the area of Cluny Square near North Church Hall and "transform it into a space where people want to spend time".
It adds: "This project aims to attract people to the town centre and increase the footfall for local businesses."
The redesign would include putting in paving, planting shrubs and extending the existing seating area which overlooks the sea.
Picnic benches and a drinking fountain would also be introduced.
The proposals for Buckie also include planting around the rest of the car parking area to create a "more attractive and welcoming image of the Square.
Added to that, lighting would be installed at the War Memorial.
In addition, the report proposes converting the Old Lemonade Factory into affordable housing.
It says: "Its close proximity to the town centre, shops and bus route would make it an ideal residential property."
The report also talks about the redevelopment of an unused site on Barron Street and making improvements to the start/finish of the Speyside Way.
On the subject of the Tesco roundabout, it says: "Visitors entering Buckie this way are greeted by a roundabout, which is currently unwelcoming and has little impact apart from Buckie`s Darling, a new sculpture inspired by the town's heritage.
"There are opportunities to further enhance the roundabout and light up the sculpture to create an attractive, welcoming entrance into Buckie."
Dufftown
Moray Council says it will explore the possibility of lighting up the Clock Tower, which was acquired by the Dufftown and District Community Association in 2020.
This local group is currently looking for financial support from government bodies and distilleries to refurbish the building.
In the meantime, the council is proposing a shopfront improvement scheme for premises on Balvenie Street, Fife Street and Conval Street.
The scheme, is says, will "strengthen and improve Dufftown’s existing historic character".
The council adds it also hopes to bring back into use The Old Bank, which overlooks the Square.
Its report says: "It is a traditional stone building with many interesting architectural features.
"The proposal would involve working with the owner and interested parties to bring the property back into use for residential development and potentially commercial/retail space on the ground floor.
"Opportunities to bring other vacant buildings around the Square back into use will be explored either for commercial or redevelopment opportunities."
Forres
The council report says: "Forres has an attractive town centre, however existing signage and street furniture are looking tired and need to be replaced."
In addition, it suggests making improvements to the condition of pavements and around the Mercat Cross and Tolbooth.
An "interpretation trail" is also being proposed, taking in local attractions such as Nelson’s Tower, Sueno’s Stone and the Tolbooth.
The report adds: "The lanes giving access to the High Street are unattractive and unappealing and need to be improved."
The council is also proposing a shopfront improvement scheme.
In addition, it wants to explore the opportunities of a cycle lane through Forres High Street connecting to the Dava Way, Findhorn and Kinloss.
Other proposals include cycle parking, facilities for charging electric bikes, a drinking water fountain and additional electric vehicle charging points.
Mention is also made in the report about brining vacant buildings back into use.
These include the former Clydesdale Bank, the old Tesco site on Caroline Street, the Auction Mart on Tytler Street, plus the former Pedigree Cars showroom, Victoria Hotel and the Nicholson building.
Keith
The council report states its objective is to "enhance Reidhaven Square for people and civic use rather than for cars".
It adds: "The ability to hold potential markets in this key civic space would draw on Keith’s heritage as a market town but also support local businesses."
Signage would also be improved to provide clearer directions to all of Keith’s attractions and amenities, such as Strathisla Distillery and the Keith & Dufftown Railway.
The council is also looking at developing a more 'formal' heritage trail with the potential to develop a mobile phone app.
It also aims to develop the Longmore Hall.
The report says: "There is currently space in the hall that is not being used which could be improved to provide additional space for future community uses."
Lossiemouth
Moray Council states the new bridge to the East Beach gives an opportunity to "reinvigorate" the area and create an attractive sea front.
There is also potential for refurbishment of the Esplanade public toilets.
There's also a suggestion that traffic calming on a section of Clifton Road would help enhance outdoor café culture and promote more shopping.
The council also proposes redesigning the Old Station and replacing the play park equipment.
The report continues: "The area around the Old Station is looking tired and is underused compared to other parts of the sea front.
It adds that James Square is well maintained with attractive planters and heritage interpretation boards.
However, it goes on to state, "the space appears underused for what is a key area for the town".
Therefore, the council is proposing appointing a designer to reinvigorate James Square.
In addition, it is proposing traffic calming measures on Queen Street and putting in extra planting and wider pavements.
There is also talk of a 'Visit Lossiemouth' mobile phone app.
