The harbour area of a Moray fishing village is expected to become a designated conservation area if councillors approve the plans tomorrow.
Moray Council initially proposed to make Burghead a conservation area which would cover the headland, harbour and most of the old village down to Park Street.
Planning officials claimed it would boost the village’s economy and tourism potential by providing more opportunities for funding, as well as ensuring the long-term preservation of the village’s built heritage.
A six-week-consultation held last year showed that although 67% of respondents were in support of the bid, they felt a smaller conservation area would be more appropriate.
The opinion on where the boundary should be drawn varied, with results including the harbour only, the harbour and headland, the harbour and Pictish settlement, and no conservation designation at all.
A report on the outcome of the consultation will be presented to members of the council’s planning and regulatory services.
It recommends the harbour as the most appropriate area for conservation.
The report, written by planning officer Eily Webster, states: “Given the importance of Burghead harbour in the development of the town and Moray’s fishing industry, and that this area is currently afforded only limited protection of its historic and architectural attributes (unlike those features such as the Pictish fort which are nationally protected), it is considered that this area is worthy of designation as a conservation area.”
Opponents, including Burghead Community Council, previously argued that the conservation status was not needed at all, because the village’s historical buildings are already listed or scheduled monuments.
Last night, John Main, vice-chairman of the community council, said the group had carried out its own survey, which indicated that locals were “100% against” the designated area covering the whole village.
He added: “We were totally against the whole town becoming a conservation area — completely and utterly against it.
“If the council decide to go for the harbour and the area along the top that’s fine, we’re not against that.
“Nobody really lives up there. It’s an ancient monumental area there. If they preserve that as well, that’s fine.”
If the councillors approve the plans they will then become part of the local development plan for Moray.