FOI Request - Barmuckity Business Park Strategic Framework

Request 101003218619

I refer to Barmuckity Business Park Strategic Framework, 17 Barmuckity, September 2016. 2. Background

1. What are the reason/s, in full, in 2013, for the failure to agree with the developer a landscape scheme for the Business Park, resulting in the project being put into abeyance?

2. When preparing the Local Development Plan 201, what is the evidence, in detail, that led to the conclusion that there was a shortage of industrial land within Elgin?

Response 08-02-2023

1. In 2011 a framework was agreed for roads and servicing of the site at Barmuckity and this was this was then followed with an agreed landscape framework. Earlier "failure to agree" to the best of my knowledge was based around issues of site viability and  the extent of landscaping required along the A96 frontage.

2. There is a typo in the question, so I am assuming the question relates to the Local Development Plan 2015.

The evidence regarding the need for industrial land in Elgin is based upon the annual Employment Land Audit which is prepared by the Council with key stakeholders to assess the supply and demand for employment land and ensure that a supply of sites is available. Supply of employment land has been a challenge in Elgin and other Moray towns for many years and was addressed through designation of land at Barmuckity, at site 18 Newfield and at Burnside of Birnie. The Employment Land Audit 2014 (and subsequent audits) highlight shortages in supply, recognising that "the shortage of serviced land ready for development is an issue identified in the Moray Economic Strategy and further sites are being identified through the Local Development Plan review."

The Moray Economic Strategy was produced in response to the Strategic Defence and Security review in 2010 to address Moray's reliance on the defence sector. A series of actions were set out to attract and create new jobs, diversify the economy, retain young people and increase average earnings. The 2015 Local Plan sets these out for each area, with Elgin including "Promotion of Barmuckity Business Park".