It’s time for our weekly update on planning applications being considered by Moray Council.
An explosion in caravan and motorhome tourism has led to an application for a new parking area to accommodate them in Duffus.
A new office block will be built at Elgin Business Park.
And a yurt will be put up to help community wellbeing in Forres.
But let’s start with some exciting plans for a building that has been derelict in Lossiemouth for a long time.
New shops and flats in Lossiemouth
In Lossiemouth, plans have been lodged to demolish the former Harbour Bar and replace it with shops and flats.
The old hostelry in 25 Pitgaveny Street has been closed for around 15 years.
Domus Leaseholders is behind the proposal to tear down the three-storey building, which includes living accommodation above the bar.
In its place will be space for two shops, 12 serviced apartments and two semi-detached houses.
It’s a prominent location, opposite the harbour and close to Lossiemouth’s popular East Beach.
According to the planning papers, this work will encourage tourism to the town.
It states: “The aim is to complete the town block while replacing a vacant building in a premium location with high quality and valuable accommodation.
“The overall condition of the building suffers from being vacant for an extended period of time, reaching a state of disrepair.”
The existing building has previously been approved for a demolition.
The applicant expects the new use to improve what’s on offer in Lossiemouth for short-term rentals.
No further information about the retail units has been provided yet.
Forres yurt
An environmental charity is hoping to put up a yurt for community well-being in a Forres woodland.
Wild Things has applied to erect the yurt in the Sanquhar Woodlands.
The charity is based in Findhorn and provides inspiring nature-based outdoor learning experiences.
A yurt is a portable, round tent that is usually covered and insulated with skins or felt. It is traditionally used as a home by several nomadic groups in the mountains of central Asia.
Modern yurts, like the ones designed for glamping, can have multiple rooms with partition walls and an ensuite bathroom.
They have grown increasingly popular since the pandemic, as more and more people look to get better connected to nature on their holidays.
According to the papers, Wild Things will use the yurt for “daytime charitable activities”.
Caravan parking in Duffus
In Duffus, a proposal has been lodged to create a new parking area for motorhomes and caravans.
The car park will be formed by stripping topsoil from a field close to Duffus House, and putting down six inches of compacted hard-core.
Mr and Mrs Dunbar are behind the application, which will also include a toilet and shower block.
If it goes ahead, there will be 20 hard standing camper van/caravan hook-ups.
In the papers, the applicant states that the area is an “excellent location” for this type of development.
It adds: “The intention is to create attractive accommodation for tourists that will complement the existing tourism business of short let holiday cottages on Duffus Estate.
“It is recognised that at present the north-east of Scotland is an increasingly popular holiday destination with easy access to historic sites and world class beaches.
“There is also a known demand for tourist and worker sleeping accommodation in the area.”
Elgin office block approved
And finally, Louisville Properties’ bid to build a single-storey office block has been approved by council planners.
The new unit will be built at plot 14A in Elgin Business Park.
In the decision made by council case officer Andrew Miller it is said that consideration was given to the local authority’s town centre first policy.
The applicant, understood to be Johnston Carmichael, currently occupies a building in South Street, Elgin.
Earlie this month, we reveal the news.
However, that lease is due to expire in November.
The building requires extensive refurbishment and the company is looking for a much smaller space in the wake of the pandemic.
Mr Miller states: “In light of the lack of alternative sites, the statement concludes that the only viable option for the applicant to remain in Elgin is for the proposal subject to this application.”
Spotted any plans you think we should know about? Get in touch at north@ajl.co.uk
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