Authority has been given to council officers to undertake the statutory procedures required to submit the plan to Scottish Ministers.

Members have agreed that the plan, all pending comments and the council’s response, can now be passed for resolution to a Scottish Government appointed Reporter, who will conduct an ‘Examination’ of all unresolved issues.

Chair of the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, explained: “The Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan 2, is important because it will influence the outcome of most planning applications and other investment decisions in the area and has been developed in collaboration with the general public, community groups, and a wide range of public and private organisations.”

Cllr Gowans added: “I would like to thank the many members of the public, businesses, local community groups and community councils for submitting their comments during the Plan’s consultation stages. Their suggestions and comments have played an important role in shaping the Plan and we are grateful for all the participation. I also would like to thank the Officers for their hard work in getting the Plan to this stage.”

Following this Examination, the Reporter will make binding recommendations on how the plan should be amended before its adoption by the council in 2024.