Members of the council’s planning and regulatory services committee were told yesterday that 18 properties and areas of land had been identified as having an impact on the amenity of their neighbourhoods and inhibiting economic growth.

The buildings included dwellings, factory premises and industrial and commercial properties across Moray.

The issue was first highlighted in a report to the committee last year when an approach was set out to help bring land and buildings back into use and reduce their adverse impact.

A report to the committee said: “In cases where owners cannot be traced or are deceased with no clear beneficiary, it may be necessary for the council to proceed with a compulsory purchase order to resolve the situation.

“Where it is not possible to identify an owner there are special procedures to follow and each case will be different.

“For any property where a CPO is promoted, the process is quite complex and costly but in some cases it may be the only way to achieve a positive outcome.”

Councillors will be given periodic updates on progress in relation to the properties which have already been identified.