Nine events will be held in towns and villages, where members of local communities are welcome to come along and speak with planning officers about future possible developments in the region.

Following the launch of the Main Issues Report last month, visitors to the exhibition will be able to explore how Moray Council will use land in the area in the future, including new or expanded infrastructure, schools, health centres and more.

Factors like minimising climate change, balancing the protection of the environment and making space for residents to remain active and healthy citizens, will also be discussed.

All drop-in exhibitions will feature interactive mapping using touch screens, highlighting what development is being proposed in each area. Expansion to the south west of Buckie and east of Forres for housing is being considered. New industrial land is being considered to the south of Elgin, at Waterford in Forres, and to the west of Mosstodloch. More modest expansion is being considered in other towns and villages such as Keith, Fochabers, and Aberlour.

Chair of Moray Council’s planning & regulatory services committee, Councillor Marc Macrae, said he is looking forward to hearing the views of residents and businesses across Moray.

He said: “We’re in the very early stages of developing our plan for the built environment of Moray from 2020 onwards.

“Staff will be using new methods and technologies to engage with the public and I would encourage anyone with an interest in the future shape of Moray - both residential and commercial - to come along to any of the sessions being held, or indeed to write in with their comments or suggestions.

“This is a great opportunity for people to play a very real part in the future of Moray.”

Those who can’t attend the exhibitions can access more information online on Moray Council’s website: www.moray.gov.uk/mainissuesreport.

Date and Time

Venue

Wednesday 17 January

2 - 8pm

Fleming Hall, Aberlour

Tuesday 23 January

2 - 8pm

Town Hall, Elgin

Wednesday 31 January

2 - 8pm

Fisherman’s Hall, Buckie

Tuesday 6 February

2 - 8pm

Fochabers Institute, Fochabers

Thursday 15 February

2 - 8pm

Town Hall, Lossiemouth

Wednesday 21 February

2 - 8pm

Mortlach Memorial Hall, Dufftown

Thursday 8 March

2 - 8pm

Town Hall, Forres

Tuesday 13 March

2 - 8pm

Longmore Hall, Keith

Saturday 17 March

9.30am - 4pm

St Giles Church, Elgin