FOI Request - Lease of No 1 Chanonry Road
Request 101003771935
Regarding the lease of the plot at No.1 Chanonry Road North, Elgin.
Specifically, I would like to request the following:
1. A copy of all correspondence, minutes, internal memos, or emails (redacted as appropriate) relating to the marketing, bidding process, evaluation, and awarding of the lease for this plot.
2. Details of all bids received for the lease, including the names of bidding parties and any associated companies.
3. The criteria used to assess bids and the reasons for the selection of the successful party.
4. The current status of the lease agreement, including whether a lease has been signed, any conditions attached to the lease, and the expected timeline for development or occupation.
5. Any concerns or issues raised internally or externally regarding the lease process or the intended use of the site.
Response 14-05-2025
1. & 2. This information is commercially sensitive. Disclosure of the requested information could substantially prejudice commercial interests and so it is exempt under section 33(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, commercial interests.
3. Firstly, Moray Council is not obliged to accept the highest or any offer received.
Given the status of this property, offerors were advised to provide a description of their proposed development with details of any construction, change of use, statutory consent requirements beyond those of Planning and Building Warrant. Based on the assumption that any offer will be subject to Planning and Building Warrant approval being obtained by the offeror and this formed part of the criteria for assessing bids.
4. Preparation of documentation is ongoing pending receipt of planning consent. It is important to state that Ground leases usually take some time to finalise due to technicalities and legality involved in the process.
5. No concerns or issues were raised by any other party either internally or externally regarding the lease process or the intended use of the site.