Final approval for a new primary school in Moray could be given tomorrow to keep the project from stalling once more.
Linkwood Primary School was initially expected to be welcoming its first pupils to its permanent home in the south of Elgin at the end of this year’s summer holidays.
However, the planned opening has been pushed back to October next year while students are taught in temporary accommodation at East End Primary School.
Fears had persisted that date could also be pushed-back even further due to concerns ownership of the land might not be secured in time.
But land registry forms have now been sent to officials to Edinburgh to keep the proposals for the new school on track.
Full planning permission could finally be given to the project, about 18 months after the proposals were submitted to Moray Council’s planners.
The school is being built so class capacity in the town keeps pace with the growing population of Elgin.
About 2,500 homes are due to be built near the site over the next 20 years as part of the Elgin South masterplan being spearheaded by Springfield Properties.
Cycling routes and footpaths are due to be built to connect the school with the nearby Moray Sports Centre, which is currently under construction, and the rest of the development.
A report prepared for tomorrow’s meeting explains: “Initially, the school development will appear isolated and detached from other development within Elgin South but, over time, further development within the area, whether already approved or planned within subsequent phases of development, will help to integrate and provide a context and setting for this school.
“Along with other community facilities, it will provide a focus for development within a new village to be formed at the centre of Elgin South.”
Another primary school site has been identified in the Elgin South masterplan, which is expected to be built in about a decade.
