An Elgin community councillor raised some eyebrows at yesterday’s controversial planning hearing with an unconventional objection representation.
Speaking on behalf of Elgin Community Council, chairman Alastair Kennedy surprised council members by speaking far more positively of the Western Link Road than the community council’s original written submission might have suggested.
During his address at the hearing, Mr Kennedy said now was the time to “grasp the nettle” and expand Elgin’s inner infrastructure.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Kennedy said: “There’s been nothing new today. We do understand the concerns these people have, but we are also aware there are other people right across Elgin, who don’t object to the road, who probably see the benefits. The planning process is designed for objecting.
“We have tried to be objective from day one. We have great sympathy with these objectors. There’s a considerable number of houses to be built on the south-west side that will need the link road, bigger companies are coming to the retail park.
“Abellio are looking to expand the Inverness to Aberdeen rail link. All these improvements will increase the traffic, so we need a solution, which this new bridge would create.”