Councillors in Forres have granted planning permission for a new secondary school, despite facing over 100 formal objections regarding its location. The decision was made during a recent meeting of Moray Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee, where local representatives expressed strong support for the new Forres Academy to be built on the current playing field of Applegrove Primary School.
The council members, including Kathleen Robertson, Scott Lawrence, and Draeyk van der Horn, voted in favor of the school, which is set to replace the existing facility on Burdsyard Road. Should the Court of Session approve the use of Common Good land for the project, construction will commence on a new three-storey building.
Cllr Robertson, the leader of Moray Council and a member of the Conservative Party, described the approval as “another important step” towards enhancing education in the community. She acknowledged the range of community feedback received, stating, “Objections as well as submissions of support were considered by the planning committee, and I thank the community for the engagement. Education for the future of our children will benefit from a modern, well-equipped school.”
Cllr Lawrence, representing the Scottish National Party (SNP), highlighted the pressing need for a new secondary school. He noted, “The overwhelming sentiment is the need for a new secondary school as soon as possible. Thanks to £50 million from the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Improvement Programme, we are now close to making this a reality.” He reassured the community that measures would be taken to minimize disruption during the construction process.
Community Reactions and Concerns
During the planning meeting, Cllr van der Horn, from the Green Party, voiced support for the project but raised concerns regarding the school’s design and its proximity to nearby veterans’ cottages. He emphasized the need for privacy and the mitigation of potential noise disturbances. “I had concerns about privacy for neighbouring veterans’ cottages,” he mentioned. “However, overlook will be mitigated by measures in the internal building furnishings and the distance between the school and the back of the cottages.”
In addition to these concerns, Cllr van der Horn proposed planning conditions for the inclusion of new trees along Sanquhar Road, aiming to create a buffer between the school’s bus drop-off area and nearby residences. He called for the proposed all-weather sports pitch to be constructed using environmentally safe materials, citing health risks associated with traditional rubber crumb surfaces.
Several months prior, the Forres Community Council (FCC) received documentation from the Court of Session in Edinburgh regarding the use of Common Good land for the project. The council requires access to a section of Roysvale playing field for materials and needs space for school bus drop-offs and pick-ups. Following discussions, the community councillors largely supported the school’s planned location, although they acknowledged differing opinions within the community.
FCC Secretary Fiona Dunsmuir noted, “Our opinions differ, as do those of the wider community, and none of us have expertise in sewage, drainage or the other planning issues. However, having listened to the opinions of other local groups, we are happy to have the school built where it is planned, as long as any mitigating factors are fully funded and delivered.”
FCC Chairman Steve Ferris expressed his satisfaction with the planning permission, emphasizing the importance of providing young people with quality educational opportunities. He added, “Scrutiny is really important, but the most important thing is to give our young people the best opportunities in education. If the contractors are unable to work to the requirements of the plan and want to change anything, it has to go back for further planning consent.”
Opposition and Legal Challenges
Despite the support from local officials, the social media group Forres New Academy Forum has long opposed the proposed site for the new school. The group has instructed solicitors Shepherd and Wedderburn to issue a legal letter to Moray Council, demanding that Forres receives an educational infrastructure that is appropriately located and sustainable. Their concerns include issues related to design, layout, density, and the potential for increased traffic and noise.
Planning and environment solicitor Daniel Parcell explained, “Our client considers that the application does not comply with the council’s development plan. The proposals would lead to a number of serious issues, including loss of open space, impacts on amenity, loss of community facilities, and potential flooding and drainage issues.”
Residents living near the proposed site have also expressed their opposition. Sie Crawford, a veteran whose property borders Applegrove’s playing fields, voiced his frustration. “I feel sick to my core,” he said. “The people of Forres are against it – there were more than 100 objections registered on the planning site. Councillors say they are listening, but they are not.”
As discussions continue, the future of the new Forres Academy remains a focal point for both supporters and opponents. Local stakeholders emphasize the importance of ongoing dialogue and consultation to ensure the school serves the educational needs of the community while addressing valid concerns.
