Committee report on Common Good assets

The procedure for the sale or lease of Common Good assets is the subject of a report to councillors next week. The report, to Moray Councils policy and resources committee, sets out the requirements for asset transfers and Common Good property sales, which may include land at Bogton Road, Forres which was recently the subject of a proposed retail development by Aberdeen-based Redco Milne. The company was given outline planning permission for the development earlier this month. In the report a clear timeline is detailed from start to finish if individuals or groups wish to purchase or adopt assets from the council. These include some halls, buildings and other property. Any Common Good decisions have to be taken and approved by the full council. The convener of Moray Council, Councillor Stewart Cree, said that the disposal of Common Good assets requires a detailed scrutiny and extensive consultation process with the relevant community. Referring to the Forres Common Good Fund, he said: In the event of any approach being made to either purchase or lease the land for development, negotiations would require to take place over the value of the site. Once any such approach is made a valuation will have to be established with input from an independent valuer. The council, in full consultation with the people of Forres, will then be required to decide whether or not to proceed with the disposal of the site. If it was subsequently agreed to dispose of the land, an application to do so would require to be lodged with Elgin Sheriff Court. The disposal of the land could only follow approval from the sheriff who has to be satisfied that the council is acting in the best interests of the community. The proceeds of the sale or lease of the Common Good land would be credited to the Forres Common Good account. So far as the relocation of the Forres Mechanics FC ground is concerned, that is a matter for discussion and negotiation between Redco Milne and the football club. Outline planning permission has already been given for a replacement stadium. Subsequent detailed planning applications for both the football stadium and the retail development would be required which, again, would be determined solely on planning grounds. The Moray Council Office, High Street, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1BX, Scotland, United Kingdom. Tel: 01343 543451 The Moray Council 2013