Discover the latest planning initiatives shaping Moray's landscape and community.
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Transforming Spaces: The New Micro Distillery
In a significant move for local entrepreneurship, United Kingdom Distilleries Limited is seeking to transform the function hall of the Hotel Square in Tomintoul into a micro distillery. This ambitious project aims to breathe new life into the hotel, which currently offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the village square.
The proposed renovations include a dedicated production area and storage facilities, with an estimated cost of around £45,000. The project is currently awaiting planning permission, with Grant And Geoghegan Limited representing the business in the planning process.
Community Ventures: Dog Grooming Salon in Buckie
In another exciting development, Garry Murdoch plans to convert a garage at his home on Park Grove in Buckie into a dog grooming salon. This new venture will operate from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday hours. The salon will employ two staff members and accommodate a maximum of eight clients per day. The innovative approach includes a system where groomers will work alternative hours, ensuring that they can collaborate when handling larger breeds for safety and efficiency.
Heritage Meets Modernity: Revamping the Former Church Hall
In a thoughtful preservation effort, Paul McCawley has purchased the historic Rathven Parish Church and its hall, with plans to convert the former church hall into a three-bedroom home. This project reflects a growing trend of repurposing religious buildings as congregations decline. The proposed renovations will focus on energy efficiency, incorporating upgraded insulation and a new air source heat pump to meet the heating and hot water demands of the property. The architects involved emphasize that the changes will have minimal impact on the site’s heritage, ensuring that the character of the B-listed parish church remains intact.
Infrastructure Improvements: Union Bridge Repairs
Amidst these exciting developments, infrastructure improvements are also underway. Following a landslide in July that damaged the embankment at Union Bridge in Keith, planning chiefs have approved repairs to this C-listed structure. The bridge, which has been in use since 1770, is undergoing necessary work to address damage to the retaining wall and drainage systems. Temporary traffic lights have been implemented to manage traffic flow while repairs are in progress, with completion expected early next year.
Major Redevelopment on South Street
Looking ahead, the South Street redevelopment project is set to transform the area significantly. Plans include the demolition of several iconic buildings, including the Jailhouse nightclub and the Newmarket Bar, to make way for a new business hub, retail units, and residential flats. With an estimated cost of £9.079 million, this project is supported by the Moray Growth Deal and the £18.3 million Levelling Up Fund. The development promises to revitalize the town center, providing new opportunities for businesses and residents alike.
As Moray continues to evolve, these planning proposals highlight the community’s commitment to innovation, preservation, and growth. Whether through new businesses or infrastructure improvements, the future looks promising for this vibrant region.
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