Plans for a new secondary school in Forres have received the green light from local councillors, despite facing over 100 objections from community members regarding its location. The decision came during a meeting of the Moray Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee, where councillors unanimously supported the construction of the new Forres Academy on the current playing fields of Applegrove Primary School.
Kathleen Robertson, the leader of Moray Council and a Conservative councillor, expressed satisfaction with the approval, marking it as “another important step” in advancing educational facilities in the area. The three-storey school is set to replace the existing building on Burdsyard Road, contingent upon the Court of Session allowing the use of Common Good land for the project.
During the meeting, Councillor Robertson emphasized the importance of modern educational infrastructure, 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.”
Councillor Scott Lawrence, representing the Scottish National Party, also welcomed the decision, highlighting the urgent need for a new secondary school. He noted that discussions over the past three and a half years with council officers have focused on the feasibility and location of the new facility. “Thanks to £50 million from the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Improvement Programme, we are now close to making this a reality,” he added.
Concerns Regarding Design and Community Impact
Councillor Draeyk van der Horn, a member of the Green Party, supported the project but raised concerns about the design and layout of the school. He highlighted potential privacy issues for nearby veterans’ cottages but noted that measures would be implemented to mitigate any overlook. Councillor van der Horn also advocated for new trees to be planted along Sanquhar Road to create a buffer between the proposed bus drop-off area and local residences.
In response to environmental concerns, he urged that any future all-weather sports pitch should utilize safe materials to avoid potential health risks associated with rubber crumb, which has been linked to environmental pollution. “I added conditions requiring that, if and when a plastic pitch is built, it must use environmentally safe materials,” he stated.
The Forres Community Council (FCC) previously received documentation from the Court of Session regarding the use of Common Good land for the school. This includes a portion of Roysvale playing field necessary for construction materials and bus drop-offs. FCC Secretary Fiona Dunsmuir conveyed that while opinions among community members differ, there is a consensus on the desire for the school to be built as planned, provided that all mitigation measures are properly funded.
The FCC Chairman, Steve Ferris, expressed optimism about the project, stating, “Scrutiny is really important, but the most important thing is to give our young people the best opportunities in education.” He assured that any changes requested by contractors would require further planning consent.
Community Opposition and Legal Action
Despite the approval, the decision has faced strong opposition from the Forres New Academy Forum, a local social media group that has campaigned against the proposed location. The group has engaged legal counsel to challenge the decision, arguing that the site does not meet the council’s development plan criteria. They raised concerns about design, layout, potential noise disturbances, and impacts on local traffic and nature conservation.
Planning and environment solicitor Daniel Parcell stated, “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, and potential flooding and drainage issues.”
Residents living near the proposed site have expressed their frustration as well. Local resident and war veteran’s cottage occupant Sie Crawford voiced his outrage regarding the planning permission, stating, “I feel sick to my core. The people of Forres are against it—there were more than 100 objections registered on the planning site.” He criticized the councillors for not adequately addressing community concerns during public meetings.
Looking Ahead
Despite the ongoing debates and legal challenges, community leaders like Ann Rossiter, chairwoman of the Forres Area Forum, remain hopeful. She noted that the new academy will be a significant asset not only for the curriculum but also for the broader community. “With continued consultation, dialogue, and partnership working, we hope it will become a sustainable asset,” she concluded.
As the project moves forward, the council will need to navigate community objections and environmental concerns to ensure the new Forres Academy meets the needs of students and residents alike.
