| Date -17 Apr 2008 | Return to previous page |
Plans to transform a former distillery into a travel lodge and entertainment centre have been rejected by Moray councillors – albeit reluctantly.
Officials identified a lack of adequate car parking space as the main stumbling block to the proposed development at Coleburn Distillery at Longmorn, near Elgin.
D. and M. Winchester Ltd had applied for consent to change the use of the long-disused distillery to a 22-room travel lodge and restaurant with shops and an entertainment centre with a 1,500 capacity.
Members of the council’s environmental services committee said they recognised the significance of the proposals in terms of tourism and economic development.
But officials said the applicants had been unable to demonstrate that sufficient car parking could be provided for patrons.
There was concern that the lack of adequate onsite parking would result in vehicles being parked on by the verge by the side of the busy A941 Elgin to Rothes road, creating a safety hazard.
Planning officials recommended refusal of the application on the grounds of road safety.
Joint committee chairman Councillor Allan Wright said the committee was keen to encourage the type of economic development that was being proposed and would do everything possible to accommodate it.
But he added: “We are sitting as a planning authority and we have little alternative – reluctantly – but to go along with the recommendation.”