Calls have been made to drive forward plans to increase the amount of land available for businesses in Elgin.
Moray Council yesterday presented its annual audit of sites being made available to generate extra employment in the region.
The large business park on the outskirts of Elgin at Barmuckity can now be marketed to firms interested in moving to the area.
However, in a report for the economic development committee meeting the need for more land to be identified was highlighted.
Elgin City South councillor Graham Leadbitter asked for further work to be done in exploring an industrial park next to the A96 Inverness road, opposite the Eight Acres Hotel.
He said: “It’s designated as a business park, but is there something more we can do with it, given we have more control over that as it’s common good land?
“It has been highlighted that there is a shortage of sites in Elgin and land is limited. What is available is largely under offer.”
Council officers explained the plot would be explored further in the future, but added access to the site was limited due to transport issues.
However, senior official Jim Grant said there was “scope” to discuss possibilities with Transport Scotland.
Meanwhile, the March Road development in Buckie is awaiting planning permission and the Waterford site in Forres will be available once work on the new railway station is complete before the end of the year.
Committee chairman John Cowe said: “The shortage of serviceable land available has been identified as an issue by the council. Obviously, the availability of commercial land is vital to the economy of Moray.”
