Welcome to our regular look at the latest planning applications passing before Moray Council.
The region’s planners have approved plans to transform a closed down visitors’ centre restaurant and shop into more storage space and signage for a new Elgin toy shop.
Plans have been submitted to transform a building where a florist is currently operating into a Thai restaurant and takeaway.
And there are plans for alternations to an Elgin shop.
Read on for more details.
APPROVED: From visitor centre to storage for soup giant
Baxters in Fochabers will transform their closed visitors centre restaurant and shop into a storage and e-commerce space.
MacLeod & Jordan represented the food giants in the application for the Baxters Highland Village.
In February 2021, Baxters confirmed it was set to axe its popular Highland Village cafe, shop and museum permanently due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The four-star attraction welcomed more than 200,000 visitors a year at its peak to the soup giant’s historic home in Fochabers.
At the time, the food manufacturer said the pandemic had “amplified challenges” for the hospitality and retail sectors – making the future of the site “untenable”.
Have a look at the layout:
This office will provide space for the company’s construction team.
It will comprise open plan and cellular office space with canteen, showers, toilets and storage.
APPROVED: Signage for Toy Toon
Toy Toon in Elgin is a step closer to opening its doors with new signage approved ahead of its anticipated opening this year.
In May, an application seeking to transform a former travel agents premises at 67 High Street into a play centre and cafe was given the go-ahead from planning officers.
Toy Toon will be an interactive role-play centre where children can explore and act out day-to-day situations.
With areas such as a supermarket and a hospital, children can use their imagination and develop their skills through play.
CM Design submitted an application on behalf of Toytoon Limited for the fascia sign.
SUBMITTED: Canine massage
The plans are for the rear garden at 7 Lithe Lochan, Longmorn.
Mrs Carley Jack has submitted the application.
It is proposed opening hours will be Monday to Friday 9.30am-2.30pm.
There will be two or three late evenings per week until 7.30pm.
Then 1pm-4pm on Saturdays and 10am-2pm on Sundays.
Hours will vary from week to week to fit in with Mrs Jack’s young family, school and nursery hours.
It is proposed that an extractor fan will be installed within the cabin.
APPROVED: New Elgin High Street bar
A former beauty salon will be turned into a bar on Elgin High Street.
CM Design represented James Dean in the application for the change of use of the building at 92E High Street in Elgin.
The property consists of three floors, there is a basement accessed via a separate exterior door, and two levels above.
This building is accessed via Fife Arms close to the heart of Elgin’s town centre.
SUBMITTED: Building home to a florist could be turned into Thai restaurant and takeaway
A building home to a flower shop could be turned into a restaurant in Elgin.
Wittets Architects is representing Mr W Gibbs & Mr S Charoennet in the application for the change of use and alterations of the building where the Bay Tree Florists is currently operating.
Bay Tree Florists is potentially relocating in 2023. (the business is not shutting down)
The existing building at 26 Batchen Street is a florist consisting of the shop on the ground floor, workroom on the first floor and storage and staff space on the second floor.
The proposal is to convert the shop to a restaurant and takeaway serving Thai food which is considered to be in-line with planning policy use class in the town centre.
The accessible ground floor is to have a seating area to the front, kitchen to the rear and new accessible WC.
A new stair is proposed for the first floor where additional seating and toilets are provided.
The second floor will not be used other than access for maintenance.
SUBMITTED: Shop front alterations
An application has been submitted for alterations to a shop front in Elgin.
The plans are for Lloyd Griffiths Eyecare at 32 South Street.
Lloyd Griffiths Limited has lodged the application.
Work involves the relocation of a shop window front with installation of new glazing screens.
Further planning applications can be viewed using Moray Council’s portal.
Spotted any plans you think we should know about? Get in touch at north@ajl.co.uk
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