Agenda Document Pack - Education, Children's and Leisure Services Committee - 11/02/2026
Moray Council · 11 February 2026
Back to Education, Children's and Leisure Services Committee — 11 February 2026 and its agenda
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Education, Children's and Leisure Services Committee Wednesday, 11 February 2026 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of the Education, Children's and Leisure Services Committee is to be held at Council Chambers, Council Office, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX on Wednesday, 11 February 2026 at 09:30. BUSINESS 1. Sederunt 2. Declaration of Group Decisions and Members Interests * 3. Relocation of Forres Academy - Statutory Consultation Report by Executive Director Education, Housing and Communities 5 - 204 Only items marked * can be considered and determined by all members of the Committee Summary of Education, Children's and Leisure Services Committee To exercise all the functions of the Council as Education Authority within the terms of relevant legislation with regard to school education, nurseries and child care, Gaelic, children’s services, leisure, libraries and museums, sport and the arts, CLD, life long learning, youth justice and child protection. Page 1
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Watching the Meeting You can watch the webcast live by going to: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_43661.html Webcasts are available to view for 1 year following the meeting. You can also attend the meeting in person. If you wish to attend in person, please come to the High Street entrance door and a member of staff will let you into the Chamber. Page 2
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GUIDANCE NOTES * Declaration of Group Decisions and Members Interests - The Chair of the meeting shall seek declarations from any individual or political group at the beginning of a meeting whether any prior decision has been reached on how the individual or members of the group will vote on any item(s) of business on the Agenda, and if so on which item(s). A prior decision shall be one that the individual or the group deems to be mandatory on the individual or the group members such that the individual or the group members will be subject to sanctions should they not vote in accordance with the prior decision. Any such prior decisions will be recorded in the Minute of the meeting. Page 3
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MORAY COUNCIL Education, Children's and Leisure Services Committee SEDERUNT Councillor Kathleen Robertson (Chair) Councillor Bridget Mustard (Depute Chair) Councillor James Allan (Member) Councillor John Cowe (Member) Councillor John Divers (Member) Councillor Amber Dunbar (Member) Councillor Donald Gatt (Member) Councillor Juli Harris (Member) Councillor Sandy Keith (Member) Councillor Elaine Kirby (Member) Councillor Scott Lawrence (Member) Councillor Marc Macrae (Member) Councillor Shona Morrison (Member) Councillor Derek Ross (Member) Councillor Sonya Warren (Member) Mrs Sheila Brumby (Non-Voting Member) Mrs Anne Currie (Non-Voting Member) Ms Carolyn Donlin (Non-Voting Member) Ms Jillian MacKellar (Non-Voting Member) Reverend Tembu Rongong (Non-Voting Member) Ms Kirsty Simmers (Non-Voting Member) Mrs Susan Slater (Non-Voting Member) Clerk Name: Caroline O'Connor Clerk Telephone: 07779 999296 Clerk Email: committee.services@moray.gov.uk Page 4
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Report to: Special Meeting of Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee Meeting Date: 11 February 2026 Report by: Executive Director Education, Housing and Communities Author: Andrew Hall Contact Email: learningestate@moray.gov.uk Subject: Relocation of Forres Academy – Statutory Consultation 1. PURPOSE ☒ For Decision ☐ For Information 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the statutory consultation on the relocation of Forres Academy and seek agreement on next steps. 1.2 This report is submitted to the Council in terms of Section III (D) (7) of the Council's Scheme of Administration to consider the closure of schools and other educational establishments under the control of the Council as Education Authority. 2. SUMMARY 2.1 The Committee is requested to consider the Consultation Report at Appendix 1 and the recommendation therein to relocate the new build Forres Academy and ask Moray Council, in accordance with the statutory requirements of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, to approve the relocation of the school. 3. RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that Committee: i) Considers the formal consultation report attached as Appendix 1 regarding the relocation of the new Forres Academy; and ii) Taking account of the consultation report, recommends the proposed relocation of Forres Academy to Moray Council for approval. Item 3. Page 5
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Andrew Hall Service Manager Education Estate 4. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT 4.1 The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 requires that local authorities undertake a formal consultation process whenever changes are proposed to the location or catchment area of a school; or when a school is being considered for closure. 4.2 At its meeting of 16 September 2025, the Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee (para 9 of the minute refers) approved the launch of a statutory consultation into the discontinuance of education provision at the existing Forres Academy school buildings on Burdsyard Rd, Forres IV36 1FG with effect from October 2028 and transfer of education to the site of the new Future Forres Academy on Orchard Road, Forres IV36 1PJ, a few hundred metres north of the current school, adjacent to the Applegrove Primary School. 4.3 At its meeting of 22 May 2024 (para 11 of the minute refers) Moray Council approved the site at Applegrove/Roysvale as the preferred location for a new Forres Academy school subject to statutory approvals. 4.4 As this report is in relation to a major change, the recommendation of the Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee should be considered by Moray Council on 25 February 2026. 4.5 The statutory consultation period was 18 September 2025 to 13 November 2025, which covered the required minimum period of 30 days school term time as mandated in the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. 4.6 In support of the statutory consultation process, two in person public meetings were held. The first meeting, open to parents/carers within the Forres Associated School Group (ASG), took place at Forres Academy, Burdsyard Rd, Forres IV36 1FG at 6:30pm on Wednesday 29 October 2025. A record of this meeting is at Appendix 1 as Appendix B2. 4.7 The second meeting, open to the wider public, took place at Forres Academy, Burdsyard Rd, Forres IV36 1FG at 6:30pm on Tuesday 4 November 2025. A record of this meeting is at Appendix 1 as Appendix B3. 4.8 A further online Microsoft Teams meeting was held at 6:30pm on Thursday 6 November 2025, principally for anyone that had not been able to attend either of the two in-person sessions. A record of this meeting is at Appendix 1 as Appendix B4. 4.9 An online survey was made available to all consultees during the consultation period and there were 687 responses to the survey. The survey analysis results are Appendix 1 as Appendix E together with a summary of comments received at Appendix 1 as Appendix D. Page 6
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4.10 Staff across the primary schools within the Forres ASG were provided with a paper survey form to facilitate consultation with a range of P1 to P7 pupils on the Forres Academy relocation. The pupil survey responses have been collated at Appendix 1 as Appendix C. 4.11 There were 6 written representations received via email during the consultation period. Full copies of emails received (with sender details redacted) are at Appendix 1 as Appendix F. 4.12 In line with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, a report was produced by Education Scotland on the educational aspects of the proposal. There report is at Appendix 1 as Appendix G. 4.13 The Education Estate and Education services have carefully considered all of the responses to the consultation and have made a recommendation in Appendix 1 (paragraph 14.1) of this report to discontinue education in the existing school buildings from October 2028 and relocate to a new school site close to the existing school. The recommendation supports the majority parent and carer view, but not the wider community view, for relocation within the same central location as the existing school. 5. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS 5.1 The table below shows whether risks and implications apply if the recommendations are agreed: SUBJECT YES NO Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcome Improvement Plan) ✓ Policy and Legal ✓ Financial ✓ Risk ✓ Staffing ✓ Best Value and Transformation ✓ Property ✓ Information Communications Technology/Digital ✓ Equalities. Social Inclusion and Economic Impact ✓ Climate Change and Biodiversity Impact ✓ 5.2 Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP)) Improved Collaborative Leadership, as part of continuous improvement through Best Value, will better enable the Council to fulfil the ambitions set out in its strategic plans. a) Links to Council Corporate Plan – The proposals in this report support and contribute to improved outcomes for communities as outlined in the following Council Plan strategic priorities: ☒ Tackle Poverty and Inequality. Page 7
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☒ Build Stronger Greener Vibrant Economy. ☒ Build Thriving, resilient, empowered Communities. b) Links to Local Outcomes Improvement Plan – The proposals in this report support and contribute to improved outcomes for communities as outlined in the following local Outcomes Improvement Plan priorities: ☐ Developing a diverse, inclusive, and sustainable economy ☒ Building a better future for our children and young people in Moray. ☒ Empowering and connecting communities. ☒ Improving wellbeing of our population 5.3 Policy and Legal The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 is a mandatory legal framework for Scottish local authorities to consult with the public and stakeholders on significant changes to schools, such as a relocation outside the existing site boundary and ensure that community views are heard, educational impacts considered, and procedures followed before decisions are made. The Act has been referred to and adhered to throughout this statutory consultation process and this adherence will continue with respect to the any final decision on relocation new Forres Academy project. A strict legal interpretation of the requirements of this Act has been applied with respect to Forres Academy since the new school will only be relocated a few hundred metres from its current town centre site and some aspects of the design relate to outdoor learning and parking that will be developed on the site of the existing school. The Schools (Scotland)(Consultation) Act 2010 requires that prior to any final decision on school closure the report needs to have been in the public domain for a minimum of 3 weeks. The report was made public on 4 February 2026. The public consultation has gone ahead in parallel with other statutory approval processes that are required to complete before construction on the preferred Applegrove/Roysvale site can commence; these are the Common Good and Planning Application processes related to the new Forres Academy project. Given each process is unique in specific areas of interest, in the case of this consultation the key focus was on the ‘educational benefit’ of the proposal. It has been assessed by the project legal teams that is there is no conflict of interest in running these processes in parallel. The planning application to “erect a new three-storey building comprising of 1120 pupil secondary school and additional support needs teaching facilities and community facilities with associated hard and soft landscaping, external sport provision and car parking and bus drop-off to replace existing academy Forres Academy, Burdsyard Road, Forres, Moray” was submitted on 23 September 2025. A public consultation on the planning application took place between 28 October 2025 and 22 December 2025. The planning application was considered and approved by the Planning and Regulatory Services Committee on 14 January 2026. Page 8
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A public consultation on the proposed use of a Roysvale Common Good in support of the new Forres Academy design was undertaken between 18 September 2024 – 12 November 2024. At its meeting on 21 January 2025 the Council was asked to consider and note the outcome of the consultation and authorise the application to the Court for permission to appropriate a 12 metre strip of the Roysvale Common Good adjacent to Sanquhar Road to provide a bus drop off area the new school and to proceed with the short term disposal of an area of the same Common Good to provide a construction support area. The Council so authorised (para 9 of the minute refers). A petition was duly submitted under Section 75 (2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to the Court of Session on 13 November 2025 and any person having an interest may lodge Answers to the petition by 19 December 2025. The dates for the Court of Session hearings to consider the petition have been set for 12 February 2026 (Procedural) and 5 March 2026 (Substantive). Should the petition to the Court of Session be successful a statutory consultation on the disposal of open space will have to be undertaken in accordance with Sections 24(2A) and 27(2A) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1959. Section 24(2A) of the 1959 Act provides that before a local authority exercises their powers of appropriation in relation to land which consists, or forms part of a common or of an open space (except land used for allotments), then the authority must publish notice of the proposed appropriation in a newspaper circulating in their area for at least two consecutive weeks and consider any objections made to them. The same requirement applies to local authorities when they are looking to dispose of land forming (or forming part of) a common or open space, as set out in section 27(2A) of the 1959 Act. A report on the outcome of this consultation would be submitted to the planned meeting of the Council on 6 May 2026 5.4 Financial The total approved budget for the Forres Academy project is £87.5 M. An updated report on the new Forres Academy project to Education, Children and Leisure Services Committee on 25 November 2025 highlighted that the cost estimates for the current design had been revised to £88.6m (a reduction of £1.3m from the end of concept design phase). There is an ongoing review by the project team and preferred main contractor Balfour Beatty to deliver the project within the approved budget with a target date for reaching contract close in May 2026 at which stage the Council will conclude and agree the final contract amount. A Full Business Case will be completed to support the final investment decision and construction contract award in April 2026. 5.5 Risk Should the decision be to not to agree to relocate the new Forres Academy to the previously agreed preferred Applegrove/Roysvale site, an alternative site would need to be identified. The site selection exercise undertaken in 2024 only identified one other potential viable option - Lochyhill. The planning, financial and programme risks associated in reorientating to this alternate site are significant. 5.6 Staffing There are no staffing implications arising directly from this report Page 9
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5.7 Best Value and Transformation There are no best value or transformation implications arising directly from this report. 5.8 Property There are no property impacts arising directly from this report. 5.9 Information Communications/Technology/Digital There are no information communications/technology/digital impacts arising directly from this report. 5.10 Equalities, Social Inclusion and Economic Impact An Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) has been developed to identify, consider and assess any potential equalities, rights and socio-economic impacts or disadvantage on the affected staff, service users and community. The IIA has evolved during the lifetime of this project with feedback from the proposed statutory consultation used to further inform it. The revised IIA version is at Appendix 2. The new build Forres Academy on the Applegrove/Roysvale site represents a significant opportunity to promote equity and inclusion. While the IIA has identified potential impacts, mitigations are also identified to minimise these impacts and ensure all pupils, staff, parents / carers, community and stakeholders can benefit equally from the new facility. 5.11 Climate Change and Biodiversity Impacts Scottish Government (SG) funding will be available through the Outcomes Based Funding (OBF) model. SG funding will be released as the achievement of agreed outcomes on reductions in operational carbon and biodiversity . The relocation to the new Forres Academy will lead to significant future carbon savings and biodiversity improvements. 6. CONSULTATION 6.1 This report has been prepared in consultation with the Chief Governance Officer (Monitoring Officer), Chief Financial Officer, Head of Growth, Planning and Climate (Chief Planning Officer), Head of Education (Chief Education Officer), Head of Housing, Property and Communities; Service Manager Legal Services; Public Transport Manager; Equal Opportunities Officer; and Caroline O’Connor, Committee Services Officer and the comments received have been incorporated into the report. 7. BACKGROUND PAPERS 7.1 Page 10
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1 CONSULTATION REPORT THE RELOCATION OF FORRES ACADEMY 4th February 2026 This Consultation Report has been issued by the Moray Council in accordance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 (as amended) APPENDIX 1 Page 11
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2 Contents 1. Introduction 2. The Consultation Process 3. The Proposal 4. Educational Benefits Statement 5. Local Community Benefits Statement 6. Public Engagement 7. Public Meetings 8. Survey Responses 9. Written Responses 10. Moray Council Response to Written and Oral Representations 11. Education Scotland Report 12. Alleged Omissions or Inaccuracies and Additional Information 13. Compliance with Section 9(1) of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 14. Conclusion 15. Recommendation Page 12
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3 Appendices: Appendix A Relocation of Forres Academy Proposal Document Appendix B1 Presentation delivered to all consultation meetings Appendix B2 Consultation Meeting Record (Parents/Carers) - Forres Academy, 29th October 2025 Appendix B3 Consultation Meeting Record (Public) - Forres Academy, 4th November 2025 Appendix B4 Online Public Meeting Record – Online Teams Meeting, 6th November 2025 Appendix C Pupil Survey Collated Responses Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Online Survey Responses Survey Summary Report Written Responses Received Appendix G Education Scotland Consultation Report Page 13
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4 1. Introduction 1.1. This report has been prepared following a consultation on the proposal to: • discontinue education provision at the existing Forres Academy school buildings on Burdsyard Rd, Forres IV36 1FG with effect from October 2028. • and to transfer education provision to the new Future Forres Academy buildings near to the existing school at a site on Orchard Road, Forres IV36 1PJ from October 2028. 1.2. This report has been prepared in accordance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 on the above proposal. The objective of this report is to: • Provide a record of the total number and a summary of written and oral responses received during the statutory consultation period. • Provide a statement of the Council’s response to those written and oral representations. • Provide the full text of Education Scotland’s report and a statement of the Council’s response to this report. • Provide a statement on how the Council reviewed the above proposal following the representations received during the statutory consultation period. • Provide details of any omission from, or inaccuracy in, the proposal document and state how the Council acted on it. • Provide officer conclusions and recommendation to Elected Councillors 1.3. Moray Council strives to allocate its resources in a way that ensures the quality of all its services. It attaches particular importance to providing the best possible educational experience for all pupils in its schools. 1.4. The Council’s vision for developing its learning estates can be summarised as delivery of a: “Learning Estate that is flexible and inspirational, that supports excellence and equity for all in Moray, building a better future for our children and young people, providing life-long learning opportunities and providing the foundations for a growing and diverse sustainable economy.” 1.5. In order to fulfil the vision, it is necessary to consider the changing nature of teaching, drivers for digitally enabled education, low carbon schools, additional support needs and early learning & childcare when considering the future of the Page 14
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5 learning estate. The Learning Estate Strategy1 requires the provision of the best learning environments for our learners and ensure that there is sufficient capacity as Moray grows as an economy. 1.6. A Special Meeting of Moray Council on 7 November 2022 approved Future Forres Academy as the priority project for Scottish Government Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) Phase 3 funding. 1.7. At the Moray Council Meeting2 on 22 May 2024, the site at Applegrove/ Roysvale was approved as the preferred location for a new Forres Academy school subject to further statutory consultation. 2. The Consultation Process 2.1. The requirement for consulting on a relevant proposal relating to schools is set out in the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. 2.2. At its meeting on 16th September 2025, the Education, Children’s and Leisure Service Committee3 authorised a statutory consultation on a proposal for relocation of the new Forres Academy from the existing site to an adjacent site. 2.3. The proposal document was focussed upon Forres Academy located within Forres, Moray, and part of the Forres Associated School Group (ASG) and classified as Non-Rural by the Scottish Government. 2.4. This consultation focused solely upon the relocation of the school. 2.5. As this relocation consultation forms part of a major capital investment project, with requirements to consult on other aspects of project delivery, parallel activity has continued in terms of the planning application process and presentation of the Moray Council’s petition to court regarding the Common Good land of Roysvale Park that forms part of the proposed development which will be heard on 5 May 2026. This has been to ensure that if the proposal was accepted, the building programme would be able to finish within the timescales set for securing the funding from the Scottish Government. The relocation consultation followed the requirements of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 2.6. A copy of the proposal document, included as Appendix A, was issued and made available to statutory consultees and the wider public via the link4 on the Moray Council’s website. 2.7. Full copies of the proposal were made available at Moray Council, Elgin Central Library, Forres Library, Forres Academy, Alves Primary School, Anderson’s Primary 1 http://www.moray.gov.uk/downloads/file149062.pdf 2 https://moray.cmis.uk.com/moray/CouncilandGovernance/Meetings/tabid/70/ctl/ViewMeetingPublic/mi d/397/Meeting/2047/Committee/2/Default.aspx 3 https://moray.cmis.uk.com/moray/CouncilandGovernance/Meetings/tabid/70/ctl/ViewMeetingPublic/mi d/397/Meeting/2092/Committee/44/Default.aspx 4 https://engage.moray.gov.uk/new-forres-academy-relocation-consultation Page 15
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6 School, Applegrove Primary School, Dallas Primary School, Dyke Primary School, Kinloss Primary School, Logie Primary School and Pilmuir Primary School. 2.8. A copy of the document was also available on request by letter or email from Moray Council Learning Estates Team. 2.9. The Moray Council issued a press release5 on 16 September 2025 along with a social media post on 18 September to launch and announce the consultation. This was followed by the publication of statutory notices in three newspapers: Forres Gazette (Wednesday, 24 September 2025), the Northern Scot (Friday, 26 September 2025), and the Press and Journal (Friday, 26 September 2025) 2.10. The period of public consultation ran from 18 September 2025 until 13 November 2025 which adequately covered the statutory 6-week period inclusive of at least 30 school days. 2.11. Two in person public meetings were held at Forres Academy. The first for parents and carers of pupils on Wednesday 29 October 2025 and the second on Tuesday 4 November 2025 for the wider public. In addition, an online Teams meeting was also held on Thursday 6 November 2025; principally for anyone that had not been able to attend either of the two in-person sessions. 2.12. The public meetings were convened by the Council and they provided a background presentation on the proposal and provided significant opportunity for questions and comments. A meeting record for each public session was taken which summarises questions and queries raised and immediate responses to these. 2.13. An online survey to capture peoples’ views on the relocation proposal was available from 18 September 2025 to 13 November 2025 as part of the consultation. The survey was made available on Moray Engage6 along with consultation information and the relocation proposal. 2.14. Primary schools across the Forres Associated School Group (ASG) were provided with a paper survey to capture the views of pupils on relocating the secondary school. The completion of the survey was facilitated by the primary school staff and included a sample of pupils across a range of year groups. 2.15. The public consultation survey link was publicised and made available to pupils at Forres Academy through the pupil bulletin on school Microsoft Teams site. A representative group of students from across S1-S6 year groups in the Forres Academy Student Network completed the survey at their meeting on 8 October 2025. 2.16. The Council also considered any written comments which were emailed to learningestate@moray.gov.uk. It was also possible for comments to be sent to 5 https://newsroom.moray.gov.uk/news/moray-council-launches-consultation-on-relocation-of-forres- academy 6 https://engage.moray.gov.uk/new-forres-academy-relocation-consultation Page 16
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7 Education Estates, HQ Room 231, Elgin Council Offices, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX before 4pm on 13 November 2025. 2.17. Education Scotland received a copy of the proposal document and attended both in person public meetings. 2.18. At the end of the consultation period, Education Scotland were provided with all documentation relating to the consultation, including a copy of the full survey information. They visited Forres Academy and Alves, Applegrove, Kinloss, Pilmuir and Anderson’s primary schools to hear the views of pupils, parents and staff across the Forres Associated School Group. Following their visits and review of the shared consultation documentation, Education Scotland issued a report on the proposal. This report is covered in detail in Section 8 to this report. 2.19. Adhering to the statutory requirement, this consultation report was published on the Moray Council’s website on 4 February 2026, in preparation for consideration by the Education, Children and Leisure Services Committee on 11 February 2026, and more than the three weeks minimum time required, prior to the Council meeting on 28 February 2026 where it is expected a decision on whether to implement the recommendation will be made. 2.20. This report includes a record of the total number of written representations made during the consultation period, a summary of the written representations and a summary of the oral representations made at the public meetings. The report also includes the Authority’s response to the Education Scotland Report, a response to issues raised through any written or oral representations it has received, together with a copy of the Education Scotland Report and any other relevant information, including details of any alleged inaccuracies and how these have been handled. The report also contains a statement explaining how the Council has complied with the requirement to review the proposal in light of the Education Scotland Report and representations (both written and oral) that it received. 2.21. The report concludes with an officer recommendation as to whether the proposals should be adopted and implemented. 2.22. The Consultation Report has been published at least three weeks prior to the Council making a final decision. 3. The Proposal 3.1. The Proposal document, included as Appendix A to this report, was issued to those individuals and bodies listed under ‘Distribution’ within the Proposal document. The Proposal document was also published on the Council website at https://engage.moray.gov.uk/new-forres-academy-relocation-consultation 3.2. The proposal on which the consultation took place was: That education provision at the current Forres Academy at Burdsyard Road in Forres be discontinued with effect from October 2028 and that from that date pupils will continue their education at the new Forres Academy which will be Page 17
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8 located at a nearby site within the Applegrove Primary School boundary on Orchard Road in Forres 3.3. Secondary education for the Forres area is currently provided at Forres Academy. The original building was built in 1969 and has been expanded and updated several times to accommodate the requirements of modern education. 3.4. The physical capacity of the Academy is 1121 with a September 2025 census roll of 860. The existing Forres Academy building was assessed in 2021 as overall condition D – life-expired and/or at serious risk of imminent failure. In August 2023, Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was discovered in many areas of the 1969 building. Although mitigation works had recovered many areas for learning, several areas remain unusable, and any planned future use of these areas would require significant investment to complete mitigation works to safely return these areas for school use. 3.5. Several options for the future Forres Academy have been explored together with several possible locations for new build options. A feasibility study was undertaken and in addition to new build proposals, consideration was also given to the refurbishment of the current building on the existing site. A bid proposal in November 2022 for Scottish Government Learning Estate Investment Programme Phase 3 (LEIP 3) investment to support a new build Forres Academy was successful. 3.6. To address the RAAC issue throughout the school as part of a refurbishment would require the whole school to be taken down to basic steel infrastructure. The timescale to conduct a phased refurbishment build on the current school site would put Scottish Government funding at risk as it would not be able to complete within the specified timescale. Pupils would also face serious disruption to their education due to the requirement for phased build and decant accommodation. 3.7. The study concluded that a refurbishment option would not offer value for money and be unlikely to meet the aspirations of the local community, therefore a new build solution was proposed. 3.8. Public engagement was undertaken between 28 March to 25 April 2024 in the form of an online and paper survey, with a community drop-in session also held, with a community drop-in session also held. Officers within Education, Children’s and Leisure Services, as well as the wider Moray Council, have carefully considered the feasibility study and all the responses to the public engagement study and have supported recommendations on the preferred site. A recommendation that the preferred site for the new school should be Applegrove playing fields was approved by at the Moray Council Meeting7 on 22 May 2024. 3.9. The new Forres Academy will be built with sufficient pupil capacity based upon future school roll forecasts which take account of impact factors such as birth 7 https://moray.cmis.uk.com/moray/CouncilandGovernance/Meetings/tabid/70/ctl/ViewMeetingPublic/mi d/397/Meeting/2047/Committee/2/Default.aspx Page 18
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9 rate trends and planned new residential housing, including a factor for any significant new development to the east of the town. 3.10. The catchment area for Forres Academy will not change with the new location. All pupils currently zoned to the school would continue to attend the new Forres Academy. 3.11. At the time the relocation proposal was drafted, pupils living out with 2 miles of their zoned secondary school had an entitlement to school transport. At the Moray Council Meeting8 on 24 September 2025, changes to the Home to School Transport Policy were agreed which will see the distance increase to 3 miles from April 2026. 3.12. The current capacity and predicted rolls for Forres Academy, based on the September 2024 census data, are shown in Table 1 below. These figures are the published 2024 School Roll Forecast figures which can be found on the Moray Council website at the following link9: 3.13. Although yet to be formally released, the updated school roll forecast taking account of the September 2025 census data, shown in table 2 below, confirms that there is no significant change from previous years forecast. 3.14. The locations of the existing Forres Academy and the proposed Forres Academy are shown below: 8 https://moray.cmis.uk.com/moray/CouncilandGovernance/Meetings/tabid/70/ctl/ViewMeetingPublic/mi d/397/Meeting/2056/Committee/2/Default.aspx 9 http://www.moray.gov.uk/downloads/file159781.pdf Table 1 – Forres Academy December 2024 School Roll Forecast School Capacity 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Forres Academy 1121 873 845 836 874 878 870 881 881 888 Table 2 – Forres Academy September 2025 School Roll Forecast School Capacity 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Forres Academy 1121 873 860 828 871 878 872 888 891 894 880 Page 19
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10 Current Site Page 20
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11 Proposed Site and indicative site plan Page 21
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12 4. Educational Benefits Statement 4.1. In September 2019 the Scottish Government updated its vision for the future school estate in Scotland with Scotland’s Learning Estate Strategy ‘Connecting People, Places and Learning’ which was developed by Scottish Government and COSLA. This contains ten guiding principles which local authorities are required to take account of in planning changes to their school estate, namely: • Learning environments should support and facilitate excellence joined up learning and teaching to meet the needs of all learners. • Learning environments should support the welfare of all learners, meet varying needs to support inclusion and support transition for all learners. • The learning estate should be well managed and maintained, making the best of existing resources, maximising occupancy and representing and delivering best value. • The condition and suitability of learning environments should support and enhance their function. • Learning environments should serve the wider community and where appropriate be integrated with the delivery of other public services in line with the place principle. • Learning environments should be greener, more sustainable, allow safe access and accessible walking routes for walking, cycling and wheeling and be digitally enabled. • Outdoor learning and the use of outdoor learning environment should be maximised. • Good consultation about learning environments, direct engagement with learners and communities about their needs and experiences, and an involvement in decision making processes should lead to better outcomes for all. • Collaboration across the learning estate, and collaboration with partners in localities, should support maximising its full potential. • Investment in Scotland learning estate should contribute towards improving learning outcomes and support sustainable and inclusive economic growth. 4.2. The Moray Council’s Learning Estate Strategy was approved by Council in December 2020 as a strategic approach, and updated in 2022, sets out the Council’s vision of providing a sustainable education service aiming for excellence. It sets out how the Council will meet the needs of 21st century learning and teaching and aligns with the local priorities set out within the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) and the Moray Council Corporate Plan. Page 22
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13 4.3. Within Moray the strategic aspirations and key drivers are: Excellence - All learners to be educated in high quality buildings (minimum level B for condition and suitability). - All learners to have access to high quality outdoor learning environments. Inclusion - The learning estate must be accessible to all. - The learning estate must support achievement for all, including non- traditional learner pathways. - The learning estate should support the health and wellbeing of all users. Place - Our learning estate should be for the local community, with flexible and extended use outside of normal school operating hours. - Shared use of the buildings to be explored with partners to enhance and enable effective delivery of services within our communities. Sustainability - We will aim for school occupancy levels of at least 80% of functional capacity. - The learning estate must meet national and local net zero carbon targets. - The learning estate must be able to support high quality digitally enabled learning and community access to digital. - We must achieve and evidence best value from our investments. 4.4. A new modern Forres Academy will enhance learning for all pupils by providing an inspiring and innovative learning environment that supports the delivery of the Curriculum for Excellence throughout the Broad General Education and into Senior Phase, broadening potential for additional work-based qualifications through flexible learning spaces provided. The modern design proposed will allow flexibility to use the learning environment creatively and linking different subject areas as we look to the future and as highlighted through ongoing work being undertaken by Education Scotland on the Curriculum Improvement Cycle, learning within discrete curriculum areas and wider project-based learning (inter- disciplinary learning) will be enhanced. 4.5. The new design will facilitate high levels of collaborative and collegiate working among educational professionals, further strengthening levels of achievement through curriculum offered and providing a wide range of opportunities for children to achieve their full potential as successful learners, confident Page 23
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14 individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. The greater potential for natural and collaborative, collegiate working will enhance opportunities for staff to share practice and engagement in professional dialogue, evaluation and moderation. 4.6. The new building will be designed to promote accessible and inclusive learning, meeting the needs of all learning including those with enhanced Additional Support Needs who will be accommodated in well considered accessible facilities that will support them from their arrival on site, throughout the day, through formal learning and informal social times. Internal spaces will be further complemented by accessible outdoor spaces, enriching the learning environment and skills development for young people further. 4.7. The new building will also provide an improved wireless-enabled learning environment to maximise the effective use of digital devices and promote digital literacy and independent learning. Further potential to extend the qualification offer through e-learning courses for pupils due to flexible and digitally enabled spaces will be provided. The design takes account of the latest technology available, while ensuring the infrastructure supports the aspiration to move to one-to-one devices for all young people in secondary schools. This strategy will work alongside other devices that are an integral part of the delivery of the curriculum in some subject areas, supporting to prepare young people for future life and work and progression to positive post-school destinations. 4.8. An assembly hall which can accommodate 400 pupils is part of the design brief, which will include retractable, tiered seating that can be moved away to allow the space to be used for a variety of purposes. The assembly hall also serves as an excellent venue for examinations, school productions, music and drama performances, information evenings for parents and community events. In addition to this large gathering space, there will be other spaces throughout the new school that will provide additional gathering space for presentations as well as providing social space for young people at break and lunch. Additional, large collaboration spaces can be created by opening the flexible partitions between some classroom areas. These double classroom spaces will also allow additional examination spaces for larger numbers. 4.9. Providing a new building with shared and flexible learning spaces will encourage staff to work collaboratively and provide more opportunities for pupils to work co- operatively, supporting depth, pace and challenge in learning within a modern learning environment. Further opportunities using flexible learning spaces may also widen opportunities for inter-generational working with Early Years’ settings, Primary Schools and the wider community. 4.10. Spaces for learning will be designed to allow a range of learning and teaching approaches including active, interdisciplinary and outdoor learning. New and flexible learning environments will inspire pupils and have a positive impact on health and wellbeing. They will further strengthen pride in Forres Academy and promote the school’s main three values of Inclusive, Kind and Determined. Page 24
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15 4.11. The new Forres Academy building will be fully responsive to future learning requirements, and the design process will ensure that all spaces support learning and teaching relevant to the society pupils will enter as adults. It will be designed to be an inspiring learning environment, fully able to support new and innovative digital learning and engage pupils with the curriculum. Provision of wider break- out spaces and pupil support areas will support all young people in relation to wellbeing and equity, ensuring that we get it right for every child by supporting them in inclusive workspaces where they are supported to reach their full potential. 4.12. The direct adjacency of Applegrove Primary School in addition to Anderson’s Primary School and Pilmuir Primary School nearby to the new Forres Academy is a strategic decision that aligns with national policy drivers such as Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC), Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) and Scotland’s Learning Estate Strategy which promote collaboration, inclusion and equity across education. This adjacency will provide enhanced learning and teaching opportunities for primary school staff and pupils with: • Ease of access to specialist facilities such as practical science classrooms, digital suites, technical workshops, performance and art studios and modern sports facilities and dedicated outdoor learning spaces. • Opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and shared thematic projects (project-based learning) with secondary departments will enhance depth, progression, and challenge for senior primary pupils, especially in P6 and P7; and, • All staff benefiting from professional learning partnerships between primary and secondary colleagues, encouraging innovation and consistency in pedagogy and assessment practices across the BGE (Broad General Education) phase. 4.13. It will further support improved transitions and continuity of learning where: • Physical proximity to a larger local primary school and nearness to the two other local primary schools of Anderson’s and Pilmuir fosters a seamless transition from primary to secondary for the majority of pupils in the Forres ASG, reducing anxiety and promoting familiarity with staff, spaces, routines, and expectations; • Joint curriculum planning across P7-S1 may be supported for continuity and progression in key curricular areas such as literacy, numeracy, STEM, and expressive arts; and, • Earlier planned engagement with guidance staff and pastoral support systems would enhance pastoral continuity, ensuring that children are known well and supported effectively before and after transition. 4.14. It will also provide broader opportunities for inclusion and personal development: Page 25
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16 • Access to wider extra-curricular activities and accommodation, which may include sports teams, music ensembles, clubs, and leadership programmes, will support the personal and social development of primary pupils. • Children with Additional Support Needs (ASN) would benefit from early access to enhanced support services and inclusion strategies developed at secondary level, ensuring consistency and strengthened transition planning; and, • Senior secondary pupils can be available to serve as mentors, role models, or reading buddies, fostering a culture of leadership, inclusion, and cross-age collaboration as well as potential to achieve additional qualifications or awards. 4.15. The ‘shared’ campus model that the adjacency allows to develop will support efficient use of shared resources and promote a community identity by: • Promoting a coherent educational campus identity, supporting equity of access and community cohesion across all age groups. • Enhancing the efficient and sustainable use of public resources, including staff expertise, facilities, catering, and transport logistics; and, • Acting as a community hub, bringing together children, families, and wider partners in learning, wellbeing, and support. 4.16. The new design places real emphasis on outdoor learning which can be accessible by secondary school staff and pupils, primary school staff and pupils and the wider community. In addition to the space around the immediate new school build, such as the ecology garden, amphitheatre, enhanced outside PE and technical workshop, enhance ASN provision garden and kitchen garden, there will be ground improvements to the adjacent Roysvale Park grass football-sized pitch and athletics running track. The existing school area will be redeveloped to create a 3G sports pitch and additional space that will be landscaped to improve biodiversity and create an area supportive of health and wellbeing while the new school will maintain walking distance access to the retained swimming, fitness suite and hydrotherapy pool facilities. 4.17. The Tier 1 contractor will work with Developing Young Workforce (DYW), Forres Academy and wider education establishments to provide young people with the opportunity for meaningful work placements including students completing Foundation Apprenticeships. The contractor will also create new apprenticeship positions for local young people within the Moray region who will be employed by Balfour Beatty or their supply chain partners. Young people will benefit from these valuable and high-quality opportunities for them to experience the world of work and develop important employability skills and gain qualifications. 4.18. All the above elements of the new build will support pupil and staff wellbeing, staff recruitment and retention, pupil achievements and parental/community engagement as well as increased employability partnership approaches through flexible learning spaces provided. Page 26
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17 5. Local Community Benefit 5.1. The new building shall be a comprehensive, purpose-built facility for the whole community, located to be as accessible and welcoming as possible. It will look to create links with existing community facilities within the area and, as well as creating new links, it will retain facilities from the existing school such as the swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, parking area, outdoor gym and playing fields. 5.2. It is anticipated that the groups and individuals making use of the existing facilities will transfer to the new Academy facilities on completion. There will also be a new 3G pitch which will be of benefit to both the local community, Forres Academy and Applegrove Primary school. 5.3. By maintaining a central location, the new building should link with existing public transport and road infrastructure and minimise pedestrian travel distance and time from the existing town. It will promote active and sustainable travel as well as ensuring ‘safer routes’ to school. 5.4. The new Academy design is optimised with community and sport facilities which will significantly enhance opportunities for physical education and related activities and will improve pupils’ health and wellbeing. It will provide excellent facilities for children, families and other community users out with core school hours. 5.5. Opportunities for community groups to have greater access to open spaces will be created. The relocation of the school may enable areas such as Plasmon and Mannachie playing fields to be utilised by the community as they may not be required by the school. This will benefit the community through the increase in green space available for outdoor activities and recreation supporting health and wellbeing. 5.6. The new build project will bring employment and financial opportunities and benefits to the community. The Tier 1 contractor will focus on local procurement and be able to evidence the number of local people who have been supported with continued employment with the project required, as a condition of LEIP 3 funding, to create a minimum of 16 new jobs, apprenticeships and graduate placements. 6. Public Engagement Public Meetings 6.1. Parents/carers and the wider community and stakeholder groups were invited to discuss the proposal at one of the two public meetings planned, or at a planned third online meeting which were scheduled to be held during the consultation period. The public meetings were advertised in a council press release, social media and notices in the Forres Gazette, Northern Scott and Press and Journal. 6.2. The Moray Council presented information on the consultation process and details of the relocation proposal and new build project which was supported by a generic Page 27
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18 presentation used at all 3 events – a copy of this presentation is at Appendix B1. Meeting attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and express their views at all the public meetings. 6.3. Attendees at the meetings were informed that the focus of the public consultation was the education impact and benefits of the proposed relocation of Forres Academy and that there were separate statutory processes underway with respect to other aspects of the Forres Academy project. Specifically, issues related to the planning application and proposed use of common good land, would be noted during this consultation, issues raised would be directly addressed as part of those other statutory processes. 6.4. The first meeting, open to parents/carers within the Forres ASG, took place at Forres Academy, Burdsyard Rd, Forres IV36 1FG at 6:30pm on Wednesday, 29 October 2025. A record of this meeting is at Appendix B2. It was attended by 47 members of the community, 3 local councillors and a representative of Education Scotland. 6.5. The second meeting, open to the wider public, took place at Forres Academy, Burdsyard Rd, Forres IV36 1FG at 6:30pm on Tuesday, 4 November 2024. A record of this meeting is at Appendix B3. It was attended by 23 members of the community, 2 local councillors and a representative of Education Scotland. 6.6. A further online Microsoft Teams meeting was held at 6:30pm on Thursday 6 November, principally for anyone that had not been able to attend either of the two in-person sessions. A record of this meeting is at Appendix B4. It was attended by 4 community members – 2 of whom had also attended the public session on 29 October 2025. Discussions with Primary School Pupils 6.7. As part of the consultation process, survey questions were shared with Head Teachers at all Forres ASG primary schools to allow them to discuss the proposal with their respective pupils and feedback responses. Surveys were completed by groups of primary pupils at Alves, Andersons, Applegrove, Dallas, Dyke, Kinloss, Logie and Pilmuir primary schools. Responses were collected and collated from pupils across the P1 to P7 year groups. 6.8. A full breakdown of the pupil responses is provided at Appendix C with a list of views expressed highlighted, together with an officer response where appropriate, in the subsequent paragraphs. 6.9. Many pupils expressed general enthusiasm for new opportunities: new spaces, more subjects, clubs, equipment, friends, learning options and a chance to start fresh in a better-quality school building. They describe the new building as exciting, modern and something to look forward to as they progress into secondary school. 6.10. Primary pupils repeatedly highlighted that the current school is old, damaged and unsafe in places. They are pleased that the new building will be clean, safer, and Page 28
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19 built to modern standards. They expect improved layouts, better classrooms, and a more welcoming environment. Many pupils are excited about upgraded facilities such as new science labs, technology rooms, kitchen facilities, better toilets, new computers and equipment. Sports facilities including a 3G pitch, running track and continued access to the swimming pool are noted as major benefits. Some feel the proposed location makes the school more central and easier to reach for certain year groups. 6.11. Some primary pupils were concerned over the loss of the Applegrove Primary School playing field for football, running, sports day and PE and outdoor learning. They feel this removes a key space for exercise and play, leaving primary pupils with less room to move. To offset the loss of the existing school playing field, Applegrove Primary School will be able to use both Roysvale Park and the new 3G pitch for supervised activities. There are ongoing discussions with Applegrove Primary School to consider how their outdoor space could be further enhanced to support outdoor learning, breaks and lunchtime activities. 6.12. Some pupils worried they would face disruption to learning due to building noise and construction activity with comments raised about noise, dust, building machinery and disruption during construction. Construction will be bound by planning conditions 25 and 26 and health and safety regulations (that include the management of noise). The preferred contractor Balfour Beatty have mandated Considerate Contractor scheme compliance for all sites and will have regular meetings with both school management teams to ensure that any disruption to delivery of education at Applegrove Primary School during construction is minimised. 6.13. Pupils raised concerns about older secondary pupils being physically close to younger primary pupils, especially during breaks or lunchtimes. The existing and new schools will be adjacent to each other, but secondary and primary pupils will not mix during break or lunchtimes and have separate outdoor spaces separated by a secure fence delineating the two schools. However, as discussed in Section 4 of this report, there will be educational and social benefits that result from the opportunity for more formal and planned interactions and collaboration between pupils from the different schools. 6.14. Pupils expect more cars and buses around the two schools, especially at pick-up times. Given that new Forres Academy is adjacent to the existing school and the proposed bus drop off and pupil entrance are away from Orchard Road entrance to Applegrove there is no expectation of any significant increase in traffic. A requirement of the planning application was to undertake a survey of current traffic around the site which was completed during term time in 2025. The survey data did not indicate any significant traffic issues. Additional traffic management requirements have been identified through the planning application process relating to conditions 3,4,5,6,7 and 25. 6.15. The new school is seen as large and complex, with concerns from pupils about getting lost, struggling to learn a new layout and navigating multiple floors. Some pupils worry about crowded corridors and larger pupil numbers. Older pupils expressed uncertainty about moving during term time and adjusting to new Page 29
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20 routines. Concerns also related to adapting to new teachers, new rules, and differences in layout compared to the old academy. These are understandable and anticipated normal concerns of pupils transitioning to a secondary school. Staff at Forres Academy are very experienced in reducing and providing a transition experience that supports pupils' wellbeing. Secondary School Pupils 6.16. The public consultation survey link was publicised and made available to all pupils at Forres Academy through the pupil bulletin on the school Microsoft Teams site. A representation of students from across S1-S6 year groups in the Forres Academy Student Network completed the survey at their meeting on 8 October 2025. Consultation Proposal Online Survey 6.17. During the consultation period parents/carers, stakeholders and community members were invited to take part in an online survey to express their opinion on the proposal. The survey provided a summary of the relocation proposal. Participants were also given the opportunity to leave free text comments regarding the proposal. It was the first use of the Moray Engage to support the sharing of proposal information and host the survey. An option to restrict comments from only those that had registered for a personal login using personal details was considered; however, it was agreed that to avoid criticism of not making the survey accessible for those who wished to contribute anonymously that registration would not be required. This did leave open a risk that multiple submissions from one account was allowed. 6.18. The consultation survey received 687 responses, the results of which are in Appendix D with a survey summary report in Appendix E. Responders made and indicated their submissions based on their demographic group. They were able to identify as more than one demographic if they were eligible to do so e.g. as a parent and a staff member. 6.19. A simple breakdown of the 687 online survey responses is 43.1% in favour of the relocation and 56.9% against. The same survey format was used during public engagement on the site selection in 2024 and had a similar breakdown of 46.4% in favour of the Roysvale/Applegrove site and 53.6%. 6.20. The majority of survey responses were from parent/carers with 332 responses identifying in this group. 250 responses were associated with Forres Academy, followed by 109 with Applegrove Primary School. (The difference between the total number of the responses and the split is that some parents/carers response reported children at both schools). Parents/carers from all eight ASG primary schools were represented in the survey responses. Overall, 55.3% of all parents/carer responses indicated support for the relocation of Forres Academy to the proposed site. 6.21. The second largest group submitting responses, 223 in total, indicated they were community members. Within that group, 50.7% identified as living within the Page 30
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21 Forres Academy catchment and 25.7% within the Applegrove Primary School catchment area, where the new build is planned. All ASG catchment areas were represented in the responses from community members. Overall, only 19.2% of community members supported the relocation of Forres Academy to the proposed site which has clearly biased the overall results reported at para 6.19. 6.22. With the exception of Logie Primary School, there were a total of 75 responses to the survey from pupils across the Forres Academy ASG schools. By far the largest pupil group was Forres Academy, with 59 pupil responses, followed by Applegrove Primary School with 5 of the respondees (noting that Primary School pupils were able to engage separately via the paper survey. Within the online survey nearly 61.6% of pupils responding indicated that they agreed with the proposed relocation site for the new Forres Academy school. 6.23. A total of 45 school staff responses were received from 7 out of the 9 Forres Academy ASG schools. The largest proportion was from Forres Academy with 57.9% of staff submissions followed by Andersons Primary School with 15.8% of responses and Applegrove Primary School staff accounting for 7.9% of submissions within this group. Overall, over 53.3% of school staff supported the consultation proposal to relocate Forres Academy should relocate to the preferred Applegrove/Roysvale site. 6.24. The analysis above has assumed that each survey submission correlates to single responder. It was highlighted in para 6.17 that the use and configuration of Moray Engage to best facilitate widest community engagement did allow for multiple responses to be permitted from single user access. The survey results summary at Appendix D provides detail on multiple submission ‘duplicates’ that were identified. It is not possible to determine whether all these duplicates were from a single responder however if all the ‘duplicates’ are only allocated as one response then the overall breakdown was 32.3% in favour and 67.7% not in favour of the proposal (a 10% variance if duplicates are accepted). 7. Written Responses 7.1. During the consultation period between 18th September until 13th November 2025 representations were invited from statutory consultees and interested parties. 7.2. A total of 6 written responses to the consultation proposal were received – by email. Full copies of emails received (with sender details redacted) are included in Appendix F 7.3. Themes and specific points raised through written responses covered: • Loss of green space • Loss of common good ground/community space • Reduction in school pitches and playing fields. • Proposed site being too small. • Disruption and safety issues for pupils • Traffic concerns • Drainage and flooding issues Page 31
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22 • Non-Compliance with The School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) 1967 Regulations (as amended) 8. Moray Council response to written and oral representations 8.1. The comments received during the consultation period fall into several themes. These have been carefully considered and the Council responses to these are provided below. The majority of the comments received have referenced issues formally covered within the statutory planning approval process. It should be noted that the Planning and Regulatory Approval Committee approved the new Academy planning application on 14 January 2026. Details of that decision can be found on the Moray Council Planning Portal (Decision Notice10) Green space and environmental concerns 8.2. A significant number of survey and written responses raised concerns about the loss of access to green space, particularly the Applegrove playing field and surrounding open areas. Many felt this space is vital for outdoor learning, daily play, sports activities, ASN support and general wellbeing. Respondents stressed that once this field is removed, it cannot be replaced, and that its loss would significantly affect the character of the local environment and the opportunities available to children. 8.3. A number of responses acknowledged that other recreational spaces exist elsewhere in Forres, and suggested that if the project proceeds, new landscaped areas or upgraded sports facilities would reduce the overall impact. 8.4. Moray Council always strives to provide outdoor/green space for all our children and young people. Options will be explored to ensure minimum impact on Applegrove pupils. Access to outdoor space will be maintained throughout construction, with plans in place to ensure that pupils continue to have safe, usable areas for play and learning. The project is being designed with careful consideration to ensure Applegrove pupils continue to benefit from high-quality outdoor environments both during and after the build, with all pupils having access to the new 3G pitch. In addition, the project includes improvements to the drainage of Roysvale Park and the surrounding land, which will enhance the quality and year-round usability of green space in the long term, which both Applegrove Primary and the new Forres Academy will have access to. There are also ongoing discussions with Applegrove Primary School to determine how the outdoor space around the existing school could be enhanced. 8.5. The School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) 1967 Regulations (as amended) recommends a site area based on school size. In the case of Applegrove the school site will reduce to a compliant 13,465m2. In addition, further outdoor playing field provision is to be available and in close proximity to the school. For the purposes of Applegrove Primary School, the 10 https://publicaccess.moray.gov.uk/eplanning/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=T312 2WBGK0C00 Page 32
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23 playing field requirements will be met through the use of Roysvale Park. In addition, the project is working with the Applegrove Primary school community to identify opportunities to further enhance the retained outdoor learning and play spaces around the school. 8.6. The current landscape plans include creating green spaces and community facilities that will benefit both the schools and the local community. This redevelopment aims to enhance the environment and provide valuable outdoor spaces for various activities and events. The goal is to ensure that the area is used efficiently and effectively, contributing to the overall improvement of the quality of life for pupils and the local community. Traffic, parking and road safety 8.7. A number of responses highlighted concerns about traffic congestion and road safety. Many described Orchard Road and nearby streets as already heavily congested during school drop-off and pick-up times. They feared that adding a large secondary school would worsen gridlock, increase risks for children walking or cycling and put further pressure on limited parking. 8.8. A number of respondents noted that the central location would continue to support walking and cycling for many pupils. 8.9. Moray Council understands that the concerns about traffic. The existing road network around the current and proposed sites has been surveyed during school term using fixed traffic cameras. While there is a peak in traffic flow at school drop off and pick up as would be expected, the data does not show concerning traffic issues immediately adjacent to the site. A new, dedicated coach drop-off layby is being provided to take coaches off the main road network and therefore reduce conflict of road users. Drop off to the new school by car is discouraged and survey data together with hands up travel data from the school notes this to be low. The main pupil entrance to the facility is to the south and as such should any drop-offs happen, these are anticipated to be to the south of the building not on Orchard Road. Additional traffic management requirements have been identified through the planning application process relating to conditions 3,4,5,6,7 and 25. 8.10. The Forres Academy School car park is being located on a brownfield site on the footprint of the existing building to utilise this development area and offer up additional area back as green space. The car park will be located on the site of the existing Forres Academy and will be accessed off Sanquhar Road. There is also an area of the existing school car park which will be returned to green community space. Therefore, planned school parking will not add pressure to other areas around the new school location. Flooding, drainage and ground conditions 8.11. A number of responses raised issues relating to flooding and drainage on and around the proposed new school site. Many described the site as a natural soakaway and questioned whether existing infrastructure could handle additional Page 33
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24 run-off created by new buildings and hardstanding. Some feared this could increase flood risk for surrounding homes. 8.12. A smaller group expressed confidence that modern engineering techniques and sustainable drainage systems could effectively manage these challenges. 8.13. Moray Council see a core requirement of the design being to improve both surface water run-off and the wider drainage issue on the site – which by design will also benefit the wider community in this area. The final site drainage design solutions will need to comply with legislation on management of surface water and be approved by SEPA and Scottish Water. SEPA confirmed that the additional information provided indicates that with the mitigation proposals there is unlikely to be any significant increase in flood risk to third party receptors as a result of the proposals and they removed their objection to the application provided that the proposed flood storage area and flood bund are constructed and operational prior to commencement of demolition works at the existing Forres Academy Site. 8.14. To service the full site, a new surface water drainage system will be implemented, offering surface water storage and attenuation to restrict discharge from the site in all rainfall events. This surface water will be conveyed through a new surface water sewer that will discharge into the Burn of Mosset. This new sewer will not only service the new development, but discussions are underway with Scottish Water regarding the adoption of this proposed sewer for use by adjacent properties and development in the area. Hence this will reduce the pressures on the combined sewer network and further reduce flood risk. Scottish Water have no objections to the planning application. The foul water connection will be permitted on the condition that the proposed surface water removal from the combined sewer on Orchard Road offsets the increase in foul flows at this location when changing the foul connection point. Site Size, Suitability and Future Expansion 8.15. Some response stated that the proposed site was too small for a modern secondary school. Some responses stated that the proposed site was too small for a modern secondary school. They felt the design appeared cramped, with limited outdoor space and no room for future growth. Concerns were also raised about the height and scale of the building in comparison to surrounding homes. 8.16. A number of comments recognised the benefits of a central location. 8.17. The design is compliant with the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967. The Council is aware the Scottish Government intends to refresh and modernise the School Premises Regulations and have initiated a formal consultation on proposed changes to the current legislation. The outcome of this consultation is not expected to adversely impact the current design. 8.18. Any future school capacity requirements have been taken into account within the new school design. Existing annual school roll forecasting for the Forres Associated School Group (ASG) (the data is provided in Table 1 and 2 earlier in this Page 34
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25 report) and wider Moray area takes account of future capacity requirements over the next 8 years. Birth rate and residential development, which are the key contributors to school capacity need, have been considered in terms of the design requirement for the future school, with the proposed 1120 capacity of the new school meeting any future need. 8.19. In relation to the height and scale of the new school, the western elevation of the proposed building is no higher than many of the existing trees which run along the boundary between the playing fields and Forres Tennis club. The proposed building is also sited approximately 42m from the properties to the north to minimise overlooking. A vertical sky component 25° method assessment was undertaken during the design development process, with no adverse outcome, and included in the planning application which was approved on 14 January 2026. Impact on Applegrove Primary School during construction 8.20. A number of survey comments expressed concerned on the impact of construction on Applegrove Primary pupils. Comments focused on noise, vibrations, dust and reduced outdoor play space over a prolonged period. Many felt this would be particularly challenging for younger children and those with additional support needs. 8.21. There is no evidence to suggest that school building projects have a negative impact on pupil learning or attainment. For example, Applegrove Primary School underwent a significant refurbishment between July 2015 and June 2017 while pupils remained in the building. There was no impact on pupil attainment during this period. It is common for projects of this nature to be undertaken while schools remained operational, with careful planning in place to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment. 8.22. In terms of careful planning, Balfour Beatty (the Tier 1 contractor) have mandated Considerate Contractor scheme compliance for all sites and will have regular meetings with both school management teams. There will be a robust construction and traffic management plan in place, and this forms part of the planning application; these include restricted and allocated delivery and access / egress times to the site. 8.23. Noise, dust and vibration surveys will be carried out in the appropriate surrounding areas of the site. The current design has identified that localised ground improvement techniques, rather than piling, will be required and will only be local to the footprint of the pad foundations to offer an enhanced bearing pressure. All aspects would be addressed during detailed design stage and through the planning application and mitigations implemented during construction. Planning condition 25 applies. Use and loss of Roysvale Common Good Land 8.24. A number of survey comments raised concerns about the proposed use of Roysvale Common Good land for parking or bus access. Many felt it was inappropriate to repurpose an established community space and emphasised its Page 35
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26 legal and historical importance. Some respondents suggested using Roysvale for improved community recreation instead of reducing it. 8.25. Only a small area of the (circa 12%) Common Good land is planned to be used for the bus drop-off lane. There will be no permanent parking on the common good land. The majority of the green space will be kept for school and community use. 8.26. It is proposed to use an area of Common Good during the construction phase and this will be returned to current use after the school is operational and area re- grassed. During this period the football pitch will remain although the running track will be temporarily reduced to 200m. 8.27. Formal access and use of Roysvale Park will be managed by a booking system. Currently the Roysvale Park football pitch can be hired/ booked by the public, and these arrangements will remain in place during and after construction. Moray Council are also aware that the general public access this space for informal recreation purposes, which will also continue as is the current status. Roysvale Park is also used by Forres Academy for physical education lessons although not currently formally booked out for use – this will change prior to construction to ensure the school adhere to the same booking system as the public. 8.28. Table 3 provides detail on the community group bookings for use of the Roysvale playing fields over the last 3 years. Table 3 Q1 (Apr-Jun) Q2 (Jul-Sep) Q3 (Oct-Dec) Q4 (Jan-Mar) 2023/24 71 58 0 0 2024/25 11 9 0 3 2025/26 24 36 28 All this usage has been outside of normal school hours, and the max use seen (2023/24) would still be supported and not compromised by the future Forres Academy and Applegrove use of the playing fields for supervised activities. The Council view is that the pupils of the school are part of the community and their use of the Roysvale playing fields is in keeping with the spirit of ‘common good’. As referenced earlier in the report the proposed use of the Roysvale Common land to support the proposed relocation of Forres Academy was subject to an independent public consultation that took place between 18 September 2024 – 12 November 2024. At the Council Meeting11 on 21 January 2025 the outcome of the 11 https://moray.cmis.uk.com/Moray/Document.ashx?czJKcaeAi5tUFL1DTL2UE4zNRBcoShgo=%2fXUbHD U5jpd4OtcuZ8Ferm1DDauh1CI%2bJ9%2fFfinMKlortmZqE8QPUA%3d%3d&rUzwRPf%2bZ3zd4E7Ikn8Ly w%3d%3d=pwRE6AGJFLDNlh225F5QMaQWCtPHwdhUfCZ%2fLUQzgA2uL5jNRG4jdQ%3d%3d&mCTIbC ubSFfXsDGW9IXnlg%3d%3d=hFflUdN3100%3d&kCx1AnS9%2fpWZQ40DXFvdEw%3d%3d=hFflUdN3100 Page 36
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27 consultation was considered and officers duly authorised to submit petition to the Court of Session for permission to appropriate a 12 metre strip of the Roysvale Common Good adjacent to Sanquhar Road to provide a bus drop off area the new school and to proceed with the short term disposal of an area of the same Common Good to provide a construction support area. The petition was duly submitted under Section 75 (2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to the Court of Session on 13 November 2025 and any person having an interest was able to lodge Answers to the petition by 19 December 2025. The dates for the Court of Session hearings to consider the petition have now been set for 12 February 2026 (Procedural) and 5 March 2026 (Substantive). Visual Impact, Building Height and Effects on Residents 8.29. Some respondents commented on the visual impact of the proposed multi-storey building. Concerns included overshadowing of nearby homes, loss of privacy, reduced natural light and a building scale that was out of character with the surrounding residential area. 8.30. The proposed site is out with the Forres Conservation Area; however, the project team have selected a material palette for the new building which will complement the vernacular, blonde sandstone buildings which exist in the town, and Planning Condition 24 applies to ensure an acceptable form of development in the interests of the appearance and amenity of the development and the surrounding area. There are other education buildings in the area; the proposed site is approximately 350m from the existing secondary school and adjacent to the existing Applegrove Primary School. 8.31. While many residential properties in the area are one or two storeys high, there are also existing three- and five-storey buildings nearby on Cumming Street. The proposed building is primarily three storeys, which is comparable in height to some of the existing trees along the boundary with Forres Tennis Club. The eastern and southern wings of the building are designed to decrease to one and two storeys. Clerestory glazing has been incorporated at roof level to allow natural light into the centre of the plan. This feature, along with the plant enclosure, is set back from the building's perimeter to reduce the visual impact of the building's height. 8.32. The Planning and Regulatory Service Committee, in their review of the new Forres Academy planning application on 14 January 2026, considered these and similar issues raised in public objections to the application. Based on the recommendations and responses to queries provided by Council planning officers they unanimously approved the planning application. Positive Views Supporting the Proposed Site %3d&uJovDxwdjMPoYv%2bAJvYtyA%3d%3d=ctNJFf55vVA%3d&FgPlIEJYlotS%2bYGoBi5olA%3d%3d=NH dURQburHA%3d&d9Qjj0ag1Pd993jsyOJqFvmyB7X0CSQK=ctNJFf55vVA%3d&WGewmoAfeNR9xqBux0r1 Q8Za60lavYmz=ctNJFf55vVA%3d&WGewmoAfeNQ16B2MHuCpMRKZMwaG1PaO=ctNJFf55vVA%3d Page 37
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28 8.33. Those responses in support of the proposed new school location commented on the benefits of maintaining a central location including active travel options, maintaining familiar travel patterns. Some emphasised that delays could risk funding and extend the use of outdated facilities, arguing that the site offers a practical way to deliver a new school quickly. Direct responses to written (email) submissions. 8.34. Moray Council received six written responses during the consultation period. The majority of the comments and questions have been covered and answered in the council’s response above and on the online Forres Academy New School Build FAQs12. 8.35. There was a comment related to the future site area for Applegrove Primary School and that it does not comply in the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) 1967 Regulations (as amended) that recommends a site area based on the school size and to have available and in close proximity playing fields sized accordingly. Moray Council are satisfied that for the purposes of Applegrove Primary School the school site is compliant and the playing field provision, required to be available and in close proximity to the school, is met through the use of Roysvale Park. Similarly, for Forres Academy, the combined use of Roysvale Park, Mannachie Pitches and Plasmon Playing Fields also satisfy the requirements. In addition to those areas, both schools will have access to the all- weather surface pitch located on the old Forres Academy site which will further enhance the sport facilities available to pupils across both schools 8.36. The theme of community use was also included in written responses. The new Forres Academy, both internally and externally, will be a state-of-the-art community hub that will deliver significant and long-term future benefit to the Forres and wider Moray community. There was early engagement with other partner services on the concept design for the school however, there are no existing plans to relocate other services such as the police station or social services within the school during the school day. 8.37. Concerns were expressed as to the safety of primary school pupils when using Roysvale Park. Management and operational plans will be reviewed and revised to ensure the safety of pupils at Applegrove Primary school when using the Roysvale park for outdoor supervised activities. Existing risk management strategies employed by Andersons Primary Schools for their similar use of public space in Grant Park will support and inform the development of future plans for Applegrove. 8.38. The statement that the proposed “unnecessary” use of Common Good land as a school bus drop off area raised both lack of transparency and stewardship of public assets by Council is not accepted by the Council. The early public engagement on the proposed site for a new school (October 2023), the formal consultation on Common Good land (18 September –12 November 2024) and the Petition to the Court of Session on 13 Nov 2025 seeking an order to permit the disposal and appropriation of areas of the Roysvale Common Good together with 12 http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_151261.html Page 38
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29 constantly available and regularly updated online FAQs demonstrates that the Council have been open and transparent that the preferred central location would seek to use Common Good within the design of and during construction of the new school. The siting of the bus drop off area is one of safety for pupils arriving and departing and will ensure minimal disruption along the Sanquhar Road at the start and end of the school day. 9. Education Scotland report 9.1. In line with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, a report was produced by Education Scotland on the educational aspects of the proposal. The full report is attached as Appendix G. 9.2. The report from Education Scotland was prepared by His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education (HMIs) in accordance with the terms of the Schools (Consultation)(Scotland) Act 2010. The purpose of the Education Scotland report is to provide an independent and impartial consideration on Moray Council’s proposal to relocate Forres Academy. 9.3. HMIs considered: • the likely effects of the proposal for children of the school; any other users; children likely to become pupils within two years of the date of publication of the proposal paper; and other children and young people in the council area. • any other likely effects of the proposal. • how the council intends to minimise or avoid any adverse effects that may arise from the proposal; and • the educational benefits the council believes will result from implementation of the proposal, and the council’s reasons for coming to these beliefs. 9.4. In preparing their report, HMIs undertook the following activities: • attendance at the public meetings held on 29th October and 4th November 2025 in connection with the council’s proposals. • consideration of all relevant documentation provided by the council in relation to the proposal, specifically the educational benefits statement and related consultation documents, written and oral submissions from parents and others; and • visits to the sites of Forres Academy and Alves, Applegrove, Kinloss, Pilmuir and Anderson’s Primary Schools. 9.5. The Council welcomes the Education Scotland report and accepts its findings. In response to the findings within the report, Moray Councils response is as follows: Page 39
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30 • The Council welcomed that Education Scotland were in broad agreement with the educational benefits that the new school will provide a modern, high quality learning environment that will promote wellbeing and inclusion. The council welcomed the inspectors view that the proposed location has the potential to make the secondary school campus more accessible to primary school staff and pupils. This will allow them to take advantage of the specialist facilities, including those in science, home economics and physical education, such as the sports pitches and running track. • The Council considered the views of Education Scotland that the consultation report needs to clarify the reasons for selecting the proposed central site. Significant information has been shared with the community during previous engagement and consultations (and remains accessible via project FAQs on the Moray Council website) on the preferred location for the new Forres Academy. The preferred site meets the local living and 20 minute neighbourhood intent to encourage, promote and facilitate the application of the place principle as set out in the National Planning Framework 4, creating connected and compact neighbourhoods where people can meet the majority of their daily needs within a reasonable distance of their home, preferably by walking, wheeling or cycling or using sustainable transport. The site is also council-owned which avoids the costly land acquisition and lengthy delays that would be associated with an alternative Lochyhill site, issues exacerbated by the lack of core services to the site and lack of adequate access infrastructure. • The Council acknowledge that other statutory processes are required to be completed before the construction can commence and this has been clarified, in terms of which aspects of the proposal still need legislative agreement, in section 2.5 of this report. • Education Scotland indicated that the council should detail how it is going to mitigate concerns about drainage and the impact on local residents. This information has been shared within online FAQs, the detailed planning application and commented upon within this report. The design proposals have come under close scrutiny of external agencies such as Scottish Water and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency as part of the planning application process who have approved the design approach which will improve the current Roysvale site. The planning application was approved on 14 January 2026, and the project will adhere to all planning regulations, obligations and conditions during construction and new building operation. • In its report summary Education Scotland stated that the Council should “continue consultation with stakeholders as the project progresses”. In responding to this requirement the Council would contrast consultation - which it would define as a specific, time-bound activity where the Council would formally ask for opinions on a particular decision or proposal to inform its final choice and is likely to be a statutory requirement - with engagement, which it would define as a continuous, proactive, relationship-focused activity that aims to build mutual understanding and trust over time and involve informal meetings, community forums and wider stakeholder communications. Page 40
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31 • To date the Council have, in addition to this consultation, undertaken statutory consultations on the planning submission and the temporary and permanent use of Common Good land and plan, if the Common Good petition to the Court of Sesson is successful, the council will be required to undertake a further consultation with respect to the disposal of open space in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1959. • The Council has and will continue to engage with various stakeholders, including staff, pupils and community groups, on the detailed design and future use of the new Academy, the joint 5-18 ‘shared campus’ opportunities and any enhancements to Applegrove retained outdoor space. In terms of the construction programme, the preferred contractor Balfour Beatty, supported by the Council, will provide frequent updates on planned site activity and progress and will respond to any school or wider community concerns related to construction and site management. 10. Alleged Omissions or Inaccuracies and Additional Information 10.1. Section (10)(3) of the 2010 Act also places a requirement on the Council to provide details of any inaccuracies or omission within the proposal document which has either been raised by the consultees or identified by the Council itself. 10.2. This section of the 2010 Act also requires the Council to provide a statement on the action taken in respect of the inaccuracy or omission, or, if no action was taken, to state that fact and why. 10.3. Officers are required to publish its response to representations made during the consultation period within its final Consultation Report. 10.4. The following inaccuracies were noted by officers during the consultation: • Since the relocation proposal document was created, Moray Council changed its Home to School Transport policy, increasing the distance for free transport for secondary school pupils from 2 miles to 3 miles. This aligns with other Moray ASG area and national polices. This change was approved in September 2025, following a consultation to review policies as the school transport contract nears the end of its tenure. The new distance will apply from 13 April 2026. • The Special Meeting of Moray Council was held on 7 November 2022 which approved the Future Forres Academy as the priority project for Scottish Government Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) Phase 3 funding. In the original proposal document the date of this meeting was inaccurate. • The site boundary of the new school site plan contained in the original proposal document had omitted an area of land to the south of the current school. The accurate map has now been added at Para 3.14 to this report. 10.5. Several alleged inaccuracies were reported as presented in the proposal document or during the consultation process. These were: Page 41
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32 • School Premises Regulations It has been stated in a number of responses that the project was non-compliant with School Premises Regulations which sets out minimum standard for school sites and playing field provision. • The Council are satisfied that for the purposes of Applegrove Primary School the school site is compliant and the playing field provision, required to be available and in close proximity to the school, is met through the use of Roysvale Park. Similarly, for Forres Academy, the combined use of Roysvale Park, Mannachie Pitches and Plasmon Playing Fields also satisfy the requirements. In addition, the proposed new 3G pitch will provide a further 7,000m2 of adjacent all weather sports pitch area for shared use by Applegrove PS and the new Forres Academy. • Misrepresentation of Visual Impacts of Design. Several consultation responses opined that the visual material presented in the consultation and planning documents did not accurately reflect the scale and prominence of the proposed development. It continued that the use of stylised renderings and selective viewpoints appears to understate the building’s mass and dominance within the surrounding landscape with the absence of accurate visual modelling from key viewpoints— particularly from the Sanquhar Road corridor and residential properties - misleading the public and decision-makers regarding the true visual and environmental impact of the proposal. The Council do not accept there was any misrepresentation of design or misleading of the public over the design. Detailed design information formed part of a comprehensive planning proposal that was consulted upon as part of the Proposal of Application Notice process and was submitted to and approved by the Planning and Regulatory Service Committee on 14 January 2026 with the following planning condition applied that will ensure that the design is in keeping with the existing buildings and its central location: Condition: No development shall commence until details have been submitted to and approved by the Council, as Planning Authority regarding samples and/or specifications and colouration of all external material finishes for all buildings/structures within the development, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Council, as Planning Authority. Reason: To ensure an acceptable form of development in the interests of the appearance and amenity of the development and the surrounding area. 11. Compliance with Section 9(1) of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 11.1. Section 9(1) of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 states that: Page 42
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33 After the Education Authority has received HMIE’s report, the Authority is to review the relevant proposal having regard (in particular) to: • written representations received by the Authority (from any person) during the consultation period, • oral representations made to it (by any person) at the public meeting, • HMIs report. 11.2. The feedback from the consultation, and all the questions and comments raised has been considered in detail by officers. Data and information were checked where required and advice and input sought from other Council Services where needed to support responses to issues raised. This ensured that the Council met the requirements to review the proposal under section 9(1) of the 2010 Act. 11.3. Officers of the Education Service and Education Resources and Community Service have listened to the points made at the public meeting and have considered equally carefully the email representations received. 11.4. The Education Service’s position (as the Education Authority) is set out in Section 4 of this report. 11.5. The educational benefits were reviewed in respect of the Education Scotland report and representations made. Factors included in the Education Scotland report or representations made requiring any aspect of the educational benefits were considered. 12. Compliance with Sections 11A to 13 of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 12.1. Section 11A to 13 of the Schools (Consultation)(Scotland) Act 2010 reference statutory requirements when considering the closure of rural schools. These requirements do not apply as Forres Academy is not a rural school. 13. Conclusion 13.1. In reviewing all the oral and written submissions to the formal consultation and survey results, there is agreement from most stakeholders of the need for a new, modern and high quality Forres Academy school building. There are a range of opinions across stakeholders as to the suitability of the proposed site to locate the new build on. Most community members who engaged with the consultation disagree with this location. However, more than half the parent/carers, pupils and school staff who engaged in the consultation support the move of Forres Academy to the Applegrove playing field. 13.2. Officers have carefully considered the opportunities, issues and challenges identified by stakeholders during both the informal engagement and formal consultation processes. Page 43
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34 13.3. The Council now has the following options: • Adopt the proposal to discontinue education at the existing site and relocate Forres Academy to the site on Orchard Road. • Amend the proposal in a minor way. • Amend the proposal significantly and undertake a further consultation on a new proposal; or • Withdraw the proposal and maintain the status quo. Each option is discussed below. Adopt the proposal. 13.4. If the council chooses to adopt the proposal, it will align with the wishes of the majority of the parent/carers, pupils and school staff across the Forres ASG. Further, the educational benefits set out in the proposal document would materialise from the new school building location. 13.5. The existing Forres Academy building was assessed in 2021 as overall condition D (considered lifex and in need of replacement or major refurbishment) and the existence of RAAC further added to the requirement for significant intervention – with the elected approach, for a number of reasons, a new build. Adopting the proposal will support the council’s ambition for the timely delivery of a new school supporting the delivery a 21st century curriculum and enhancing a learning estate that supports excellence and a better future for our young people in the Forres ASG and meets NPF4 planning considerations. 13.6. Pupils currently at Forres Academy and primary pupils transitioning to the school will benefit from a high-quality learning environment which will support improvements in their attainment, achievement, and well-being. The central location and modern and expanded facilities such as the 3G pitch would greatly benefit the community. The community would still have access to the swimming pool and Roysvale Park for recreation and open space. Amend the proposal in a minor way and adopt. 13.7. During the consultation period no suggestions were received from stakeholders that would require a minor amendment to the proposal. Amend the proposal significantly and undertake a further consultation exercise on a new proposal. 13.8. The only significant amendment that would be viable for consideration is a change of preferred location. 13.9. A proposed suggestion during the consultation, to rebuild within the existing site, was discounted early in the site selection process due to challenging issues of planning and construction in a designated significant flood risk area. To mitigate Page 44
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35 the factors associated with this site would incur additional cost to design, which was deemed would not meet LEIP3 embodied carbon requirements and risk access to maximum external project funding. The site was also considered too small without using some of the existing school footprint which would have necessitate a phased build and demolition approach and temporary school decants adding further cost to the project and disruption to existing school operations over a significant period. 13.10. The only alternate site for consideration would be Lochyhill which has challenging site issues related to ownership, access and utility services. It would be more expensive to purchase and develop the site and the delay in changing the site would add costs to the new design and construction programme. The delay in delivery could also compromise access to Scottish Government funding already committed to the central Applegrove/Roysvale site. 13.11. The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 requires that changes to the school estate are subject to rigorous statutory consultation. Any significant amendments to the proposal would require a full consultation with pupils, parent/carers and the wider community of all affected by the proposed schools. 13.12. Allowing for appropriate governance that process can take in the region of a further nine months to complete. 13.13. It is considered that this option has too much time and cost risk. It would also be unreasonable to go through another lengthy statutory process and delay the delivery of a new school. The disruption to the school resulting from the effects of RAAC has already and continues to impact pupils and staff and it is hoped that a decision to relocate the new school building will give clarity to the community and a sense of certainty regarding their children’s future education. Withdraw the proposal and maintain the status quo. 13.14. This option is not considered viable as the existing school is considered at “life expired” and in need of replacement. 14. Recommendation The recommendation of the officers is that the council should adopt the proposal to discontinue education provision at the existing Forres Academy school buildings on Burdsyard Rd and to transfer education provision to the new Future Forres Academy buildings near to the existing school at a site on Orchard Road from October 2028. Page 45
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PROPOSAL DOCUMENT RELOCATION OF FORRES ACADEMY Consultation: 18th September 2025 to 13th November 2025 APPENDIX 1A Page 46
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MORAY COUNCIL IS PROPOSING, SUBJECT TO THE OUTCOME OF THE STATUTORY CONSULTATION PROCESS: • To discontinue education provision at the existing Forres Academy school buildings on Burdsyard Rd, Forres IV36 1FG with effect from October 2028. • To transfer education provision to the new Future Forres Academy buildings near to the existing school at a site on Orchard Road, Forres IV36 1PJ from October 2028 This document has been issued by Moray Council in accordance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 as amended. The Act requires that changes to school estate are subject to rigorous consultation. The schools directly affected by this proposal are: • Forres Academy • Applegrove Primary School DISTRIBUTION A copy of this document is published on the Moray Council website:https://engage.moray.gov.uk/new-forres-academy-relocation-consultation or can be requested by e-mail to learningestates@moray.gov.uk A copy of the Proposal Paper is made available at these locations: • Moray Council Offices, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX • Forres Academy • Applegrove Primary School • Andersons Primary School • Pilmuir Primary School • Kinloss Primary School • Dyke Primary School • Dallas Primary School • Alves Primary School • Forres Library • Logie Primary • Elgin Central Library Notice of the Proposals will be sent to: • Parent Councils of Forres Academy and the Associated School Group (ASG) primary schools Page 47
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• Parents/carers of pupils who attend Forres Academy and the Associated School Group primary schools • The staff (teaching and non-teaching) of Forres Academy and Applegrove Primary School • Any Trade Union which is representative of staff • Community Councils • Community Planning Partnership • The constituency Member of Parliament • The constituency Members of the Scottish Parliament • The list Members of the Scottish Parliament • Education Scotland Page 48
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1. Legislative Background 1.1. The proposal is advanced with the context of all applicable legislation. Amongst other duties, education authorities are required to secure adequate and efficient provision of school education (S.1 of the Education Act 1980); and to endeavour to secure improvement in the quality of school education in schools that are managed by them (S.3 of the Standards in Scotland’s Schools Act 2000). 1.2. Forres Academy is classified as a Non-Rural school within the terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. In terms of S7 of that Act any changes to educational provision requires a public meeting to be held as part of the change consultation process. 2. Introduction 2.1. Moray Council strives to allocate its resources in a way that ensures the quality of all its services. It attaches particular importance to providing the best possible educational experience for all pupils in its schools. 2.2. The Council’s vision for developing its learning estates can be summarised as delivery of a: “Learning Estate that is flexible and inspirational, that supports excellence and equity for all in Moray, building a better future for our children and young people, providing life-long learning opportunities and providing the foundations for a growing and diverse sustainable economy.” 2.3. In order to fulfil the vision, it is necessary to consider the changing nature of teaching, drivers for digitally enabled education, low carbon schools, additional support needs and early learning & childcare when considering the future of the learning estate. The Learning Estate Strategy requires the provision of the best learning environments for our learners and ensure that there is sufficient capacity as Moray grows as an economy. 2.4. The meeting of Moray Council on 7 September 2023 approved Future Forres Academy as the priority project for Scottish Government Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) Phase 3 funding. At its meeting on 22 May 2024 the site at Applegrove/ Roysvale was approved as the preferred location for a new school. 2.5. This proposal document is focussed upon the Forres Academy, located within Forres, Moray, and part of the Forres Associated School Group and classified as Non-Rural by the Scottish Government. Page 49
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2.6. This consultation focuses solely upon the relocation of Forres Academy. Other elements (e.g. planning, common good) related to the new school project have been or will be subject to separate engagements and consultations. 2.7. The consultation process for this proposal is set out in detail in Section 12 of this document. 3. Reason for Proposal 3.1. Secondary education for the Forres area is currently provided at Forres Academy. The original building was built in 1969 and has been expanded and updated several times to accommodate the requirements of modern education. 3.2. The capacity of the Academy is 1121 with a current roll of 821. The existing Forres Academy building was assessed in 2021 as overall condition D – life-expired and/or at serious risk of imminent failure. In August 2023, Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was discovered in many areas of the 1969 building. Although mitigation works has recovered many areas for learning, several areas remain unused and any planned future use would require significant investment to complete mitigation works to safely return for school use. 3.3. Several options for replacing Forres Academy have been explored together with several possible locations for new build options. A feasibility study was undertaken and in addition to new build proposals, consideration was also given to the refurbishment of the current building on the existing site. The study concluded that a refurbishment option would not offer value for money and be unlikely to meet the aspirations of the local community, therefore a new build solution was proposed. Public engagement was undertaken over a four-week period in the form of an online and paper survey, with a community drop-in session also held. Officers within Education, Children’s and Leisure Services, as well the wider Moray Council, have carefully considered the feasibility study and all the responses to the public engagement study and have supported recommendations on the preferred site. 3.4. The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 requires that when a school is to be relocated then a consultation must be undertaken with the relevant stakeholders. 4. Details of the Proposal 4.1. The Council proposes that education provision at the current Forres Academy at Burdsyard Road in Forres be discontinued with effect from October 2028 and that from that date pupils will continue their education at the new Forres Academy Page 50
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which will be located at a nearby site within the Applegrove Primary School boundary on Orchard Road in Forres. 4.2. The new Forres Academy will be built with sufficient capacity for secondary pupils, based upon future school roll forecasts and the factors that impact those such as birth rate trends and estimated housing output rates; with shared facilities and with sufficient core areas that additional accommodation could be provided for future roll increase should this be required. 4.3. The catchment area for Forres Academy will not change with the new location. All pupils currently zoned to the school would continue to be zoned to the school and would attend the new Forres Academy. 4.4. Currently, pupils living out with 2 miles of their zoned secondary school would have an entitlement to school transport. 4.5. The current capacity and predicted rolls for Forres Academy, based on the September 2024 census data, are shown in Table 1 below. These figures are the published 2024 School Roll Forecast figures which can be found on the Moray Council website at the following address: http://www.moray.gov.uk/downloads/file159781.pdf Table 1 – Forres Academy December 2024 School Roll Forecast School Capacity 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Forres Academy 1121 873 845 836 874 878 870 881 881 888 4.6. The school roll forecast information shown in Table 1 takes account all housing allocated in the Local Development Plan. 4.7. The locations of the existing Forres Academy and the proposed Forres Academy, with an indicative site plan, are shown below: Page 51
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Current Site Page 52
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Proposed Site and indicative site plan Page 53
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5. Educational Benefits Statement 5.1. In September 2019 the Scottish Government updated its vision for the future school estate in Scotland with Scotland’s Learning Estate Strategy ‘Connecting People, Places and Learning’ which was developed by Scottish Government and COSLA. This contains ten guiding principles which local authorities are required to take account of in planning changes to their school estate, namely: • Learning environments should support and facilitate excellence joined up learning and teaching to meet the needs of all learners; • Learning environments should support the welfare of all learners, meet varying needs to support inclusion and support transition for all learners; • The learning estate should be well managed and maintained, making the best of existing resources, maximising occupancy and representing and delivering best value; • The condition and suitability of learning environments should support and enhance their function; • Learning environments should serve the wider community and where appropriate be integrated with the delivery of other public services in line with the place principle; • Learning environments should be greener, more sustainable, allow safe access and accessible walking routes for walking, cycling and wheeling and be digitally enabled; • Outdoor learning and the use of outdoor learning environment should be maximised; • Good consultation about learning environments, direct engagement with learners and communities about their needs and experiences, and an involvement in decision making processes should lead to better outcomes for all; • Collaboration across the learning estate, and collaboration with partners in localities, should support maximising its full potential; • Investment in Scotland learning estate should contribute towards improving learning outcomes and support sustainable and inclusive economic growth. 5.2. The Moray Council’s Learning Estate Strategy was approved by Council in December 2020 as a strategic approach, and updated in 2022, sets out the Council’s vision of providing a sustainable education service aiming for excellence. It sets out how the Council will meet the needs of 21st century learning and teaching and aligns with the local priorities set out within the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) and the Moray Council Corporate Plan. Page 54
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5.3. Within Moray the strategic aspirations and key drivers are: Excellence - All learners to be educated in high quality buildings (minimum level B for condition and suitability). - All learners to have access to high quality outdoor learning environments. Inclusion - The learning estate must be accessible to all. - The learning estate must support achievement for all, including non- traditional learner pathways. - The learning estate should support the health and wellbeing of all users. Place - Our learning estate should be for the local community, with flexible and extended use outside of normal nursery/school operating hours. - Shared use of the buildings to be explored with partners to enhance and enable effective delivery of services within our communities. Sustainability - We will aim for school occupancy levels of at least 80% of functional capacity. - The learning estate must meet national and local net zero carbon targets. - The learning estate must be able to support high quality digitally enabled learning and community access to digital. - We must achieve and evidence best value from our investments. 5.4. A new modern Forres Academy will enhance learning for all pupils by providing an inspiring and innovative learning environment that supports the delivery of the Curriculum for Excellence throughout the Broad General Education and into Senior Phase, broadening potential for additional work-based qualifications through flexible learning spaces provided. The modern design proposed will allow flexibility to use the learning environment creatively and linking different subject areas as we look to the future and as highlighted through ongoing work being undertaken by Education Scotland on the Curriculum Improvement Cycle, learning within discrete curriculum areas and wider project-based learning (inter- disciplinary learning) will be enhanced. 5.5. The new design will facilitate high levels of collaborative and collegiate working among educational professionals, further strengthening levels of achievement through curriculum offered and providing a wide range of opportunities for children to achieve their full potential as successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. The greater potential Page 55
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for natural and collaborative, collegiate working will enhance opportunities for staff to share practice and engagement in professional dialogue, evaluation and moderation. 5.6. The new building will be designed to promote accessible and inclusive learning, meeting the needs of all learning including those with enhanced Additional Support Needs who will be accommodated in well considered accessible facilities that will support them from their arrival on site, throughout the day, through formal learning and informal social times. Internal spaces will be further complemented by accessible outdoor spaces, enriching the learning environment and skills development for young people further. 5.7. The new building will also provide an improved wireless-enabled learning environment to maximise the effective use of digital devices and promote digital literacy and independent learning. Further potential to extend the qualification offer through e-learning courses for pupils due to flexible spaces provided and digitally enabled spaces is provided. The design takes account of the latest technology available, while ensuring the infrastructure supports the aspiration to move to one-to-one devices for all young people in secondary schools. This strategy will work alongside other devices that are an integral part of the delivery of the curriculum in some subject areas, supporting to prepare young people for future life and work and progression to positive post-school destinations 5.8. An assembly hall which can accommodate 400 pupils is part of the design brief, which will include retractable, tiered seating that can be moved away to allow the space to be used for a variety of purposes. The assembly hall also serves as an excellent venue for examinations, school productions, music and drama performances, information evenings for parents and community events. In addition to this large gathering space, there will be other spaces throughout the new school that will provide additional gathering space for presentations as well as providing social space for young people at break and lunch. Additional, large collaboration spaces can be created by opening the flexible partitions between some classroom areas. These double classroom spaces will also allow additional examination spaces for larger numbers. 5.9. Providing a new building with shared and flexible learning spaces will encourage staff to work collaboratively and provide more opportunities for pupils to work co- operatively, supporting depth, pace and challenge in learning within a modern learning environment. Further opportunities using flexible learning spaces may also widen opportunities for inter-generational working with Early Years’ settings, Primary Schools and the wider community. 5.10. Spaces for learning will be designed to allow a range of learning and teaching approaches including active, interdisciplinary and outdoor learning. New and Page 56
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flexible learning environments will inspire pupils and have a positive impact on health and wellbeing. They will further strengthen pride in Forres Academy and promote the school’s main three values of Inclusive, Kind and Determined. 5.11. The new Forres Academy building will be fully responsive to future learning requirements, and the design process will ensure that all spaces support learning and teaching relevant to the society pupils will enter as adults. It will be designed to be an inspiring learning environment, fully able to support new and innovative digital learning and engage pupils with the curriculum. Provision of wider break- out spaces and pupil support areas will support all young people in relation to wellbeing and equity, ensuring that we get it right for every child by supporting them in inclusive workspaces where they are supported to reach their full potential. 5.12. The direct adjacency of Applegrove Primary School in addition to Anderson’s Primary School and Pilmuir Primary School nearby to the new Forres Academy is a strategic decision that aligns with national policy drivers such as Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC), Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) and Scotland’s Learning Estate Strategy which promote collaboration, inclusion and equity across education. This adjacency will provide enhanced learning and teaching opportunities for primary school staff and pupils with: • Ease of access to specialist facilities such as practical science classrooms, digital suites, technical workshops, performance and art studios and modern sports facilities; • Opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and shared thematic projects (project-based learning) with secondary departments will enhance depth, progression, and challenge for senior primary pupils, especially in P6 and P7; and, • Primary school staff benefiting from professional learning partnerships with secondary colleagues, encouraging innovation and consistency in pedagogy and assessment practices across the BGE (Broad General Education) phase. 5.13. It will further support improved transitions and continuity of learning where: • Physical proximity to a larger local Primary School and nearness to two other local Primary Schools (Anderson’s and Pilmuir) fosters a seamless transition from primary to secondary for the majority of pupils in the Forres ASG, reducing anxiety and promoting familiarity with staff, spaces, routines, and expectations; Page 57
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• Joint curriculum planning across P7-S1 may be supported for continuity and progression in key curricular areas such as literacy, numeracy, STEM, and expressive arts; and, • Earlier planned engagement with guidance staff and pastoral support systems would enhance pastoral continuity, ensuring that children are known well and supported effectively before and after transition. 5.14. It will also provide broader opportunities for inclusion and personal development: • Access to wider extra-curricular activities and accommodation, which may include sports teams, music ensembles, clubs, and leadership programmes, will support the personal and social development of primary pupils; • Children with Additional Support Needs (ASN) would benefit from early access to enhanced support services and inclusion strategies developed at secondary level, ensuring consistency and strengthened transition planning; and, • Senior secondary pupils can be available to serve as mentors, role models, or reading buddies, fostering a culture of leadership, inclusion, and cross-age collaboration as well as potential to achieve additional qualifications or awards. 5.15. The ‘shared’ campus model that the adjacency allows to develop will support efficient use of shared resources and promote a community identity by: • Promoting a coherent educational campus identity, supporting equity of access and community cohesion across all age groups; • Enhancing the efficient and sustainable use of public resources, including staff expertise, facilities, catering, and transport logistics; and, • Acting as a community hub, bringing together children, families, and wider partners in learning, wellbeing, and support. 5.16. The new design places real emphasis on outdoor learning which can be accessible by secondary school staff and pupils, primary school staff and pupils and the wider community. In addition to the space around the immediate new school build, such as the ecology garden, amphitheatre, enhanced outside PE and technical workshop, enhance ASN provision garden and kitchen garden, there will be ground improvements to the adjacent Roysvale Park grass football-sized pitch and athletics running track. The existing school area will be redeveloped to create Page 58
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a 3G sports pitch and additional space that will be landscaped to improve biodiversity and create an area supportive of health and wellbeing while the new school will maintain walking distance access to the retained swimming, fitness suite and hydrotherapy pool facilities. 5.17. All the above factors will support pupil and staff wellbeing, staff recruitment and retention, pupil achievements and parental/community engagement as well as increased employability partnership approaches through flexible learning spaces provided. 6. Local Community Benefit 6.1. The new building shall be a comprehensive, purpose-built facility for the whole community, located to be as accessible and welcoming as possible. It will look to create links with existing community facilities within the area and, as well as creating new links, it will retain facilities from the existing school such as the swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, parking area and playing fields. 6.2. It is anticipated that the groups and individuals making use of the existing facilities will transfer to the new Academy facilities on completion. There will also be a new 3G pitch which will be of benefit to both the local community, Forres Academy and Applegrove Primary school. 6.3. By maintaining a central location, the new building should link with existing public transport and road infrastructure and minimise pedestrian travel distance and time from the existing town. It will promote active and sustainable travel as well as developing ‘safer routes’ to school. 6.4. The new Academy design is optimised with community and sport facilities which will significantly enhance opportunities for PE and related activities and will improve pupils’ health and wellbeing. It will provide excellent facilities for children, families and other community users out with core school hours. 7. Alternatives to the proposal 7.1. A range of alternative possibilities have been considered as noted below: ▪ Continuing the status quo – the current building is assessed as overall condition D – life-expired and/or in serious risk of imminent failure. The current school was designed for an earlier approach to education and no longer reflects the needs of user community for the integration of education, skills and jobs that will support long-term resilience and sustainability. Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is also present in the current building and a significant investment in mitigating this has recovered some of the existing classroom accommodation in Page 59
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the short to medium term, but not all. The continued drain on resource to simply maintain current building condition standards is unsustainable and is not seen as value for money or providing one of the council’s key drivers that ‘All learners to be educated in high quality buildings (minimum level B for condition and suitability). ▪ Refurbish and Extend – the feasibility of refurbishment together with extension option was considered, however it was rejected as there was potential of a compromised design solution in comparison to a new build (span between structural floor slabs significantly less than in a modern facility); financial implications of a staggered construction project (provision of decant accommodation), implications for pupils attending the school while phased construction is undertaken, the extent of RAAC and concerns over fire engineering would mean that the cost would likely exceed that of a new build with the risk that the final building could be compromised in some aspects. ▪ New Build on existing site - The current site falls within a significant flood area adjacent to the Mosset Burn. Planning requirements now take account of future climate change and increased flooding risks and this makes the current site not viable for a full rebuild on the site for number of significant reasons. Constructing a new building while retaining the old one would necessitate partial demolition impacting potential flooding. The new building floor would need to be significantly elevated creating an ‘island development’ that would not integrate with the surrounding landscape and existing infrastructure. In addition, to redevelop on the current site would require most if not all the school to decant to temporary modular accommodation for up to 3 years which in addition to adding significant project costs would have an impact on education delivery. ▪ New Build on alternative site - A thorough review was carried out regarding building on alternative sites; however, several significant challenges were identified, including complex land ownership, lack of access for site investigations, and higher overall costs. These issues make the alternative options impractical at this stage and risk delaying the delivery of the much-needed new school. 8. School Transport 8.1. The location of the proposed replacement Forres Academy is on a site within 400m of the existing school therefore there would be no impact upon entitlement to school transport. The travelling times for pupils attending on foot would remain similar as would that of pupils transported to the school either by bus or car. Page 60
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9. Sustainability 9.1. Sustainability is a key factor in the design of the new school and is being incorporated into every feasible aspect. This ranges from the construction materials used, to the heating system and the lighting provided and the landscaping of the external site to encourage biodiversity. The new build is part of the Scottish Futures Trust Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) which in order to receive funding achievement of the agreed outcomes requires to be evidenced. These outcomes include zero emissions heating, energy efficiency and construction embodied carbon and detail of these can be found at https://www.scottishfuturestrust.org.uk/publications/documents/leip-outcomes- based-funding-briefing-document 9.2. The new school design, construction and operation will be environmentally and energy efficient contributing directly to delivering yearly reductions in greenhouse gas emissions introduced by the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. 10. Equal Opportunities 10.1. An Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) is a statutory requirement on the Council to assess the policies, procedures and practices necessary to meet the requirements of anti-discrimination and equalities legislation. It also affords an opportunity for the Council to consider the impact on the education service. In addition, an IIA can provide more information to develop and deliver services that meet the needs, in this case, of children and parents. An assessment has been carried out. 10.2. The aim of an IIA is to examine policies and practice in a structured way to make sure that adverse effects on groups with protected characteristics are avoided. It is also a tool to enable the Council to assess what positive steps it can take to promote equality of opportunity and measure the results of the actions that have been taken. The existing IIA will be reviewed and updated as an outcome of this Consultation and submitted as an Appendix to the Consultation Report. 10.3. With regards to the new Forres Academy and Applegrove Primary School it is believed that this will have a no negative impacts on any groups with protected characteristics. 10.4. As part of the consultation process the Council will consult with a wide range of stakeholders, including staff, parents/ carers and young people, and will address any comments about equality during this activity. Page 61
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10.5. The new school design must and will be legally compliant with the following legislation and thereby avoid any discrimination with access to facilities and services: • Equality Act 2010 • Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils’ Educational Records) (Scotland) Act 2002 • Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations - Section 4: Accessibility 10.6. To meet the equality requirements the design will consider building access and circulation, access to facilities and the inclusivity of learning environments and outdoor spaces 10.7. Under The Equality Act 2010 education providers must not treat disabled pupils less favourably and should take reasonable steps to avoid putting disabled pupils at a substantial disadvantage. Existing arrangements in place for pupils with additional support needs within the Academy will continue. The new Forres Academy will be fully accessible and designed to be inclusive and so would not have a negative impact on any child who has a disability. 11. Implications for Staff 11.1. Teaching and teaching support staff development is a key component to delivering high quality learning and teaching. The new school will provide even more opportunities for staff to work together and collaborate, with space to develop their own personal learning and to make further improvements to the curricular offer. The adjacency of the new secondary school and existing primary school will support a shared campus approach that will support this more collaborative approach between teachers, subjects and departments, with the curriculum structured to allow cross collaboration between subjects and skillsets. This will support staff to build on the significant achievements already recognised by the SCQF regarding the innovative curricular developments. 11.2. The opportunities offered at the new school regarding the increased opportunities to be more innovative with curriculum and learning journey should prove attractive to staff and assist with staff recruitment and retention. The working environment will be inspirational and enhanced with staff having access to onsite facilities including fitness facilities. 12. Consultation Arrangements 12.1. At its meeting on 16th September 2025, the Education, Children’s and Leisure Service Committee was asked to agree that a proposal document should be issued as a basis for consultation. No decision will be taken by the Committee or wider Council on the proposal contained in the paper until after the end of the Page 62
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consultation period. The Committee and Council will then receive a report on the Consultation and will reach a view on the recommendations. 12.2. As this consultation is occurring as part of a wider capital building project, activity will continue in terms of the planning process to ensure that if this proposal is accepted the building programme will be able to finish within the timescales set for securing the funding from the Scottish Government. 12.3. A copy of this proposal document will be issued to all of the consultees listed on the first page of this document and it will also be published on the Council’s website: 12.4. Reading copies of this proposal will be made available at Moray Council, Elgin Central Library, Forres Library, Forres Academy, Alves Primary School, Anderson’s Primary School, Applegrove Primary School, Dallas Primary School, Dyke Primary School, Kinloss Primary School, Logie Primary School and Pilmuir Primary School. 12.5. The period of consultation will run from 18 September 2025 until 13 November 2025 which adequately covers the statutory 6-week period inclusive of at least 30 school days. 12.6. Two in person public meetings are planned to be held, the first for pupils, parents and carers of pupils on Wednesday 29 October 2025 and the second on Tuesday 4 November 2025 for the wider public. In addition, a virtual meeting will also be held for anyone that has not been able to attend the two in person sessions, to be held on Thursday 6 November 2025. 12.7. The meetings will be convened by the Council and the Council will present the reasons for bringing forward the proposal. There will be an opportunity for questions and comments and a minute will be taken so that comments can later be summarised and considered. 12.8. Opportunities will be provided for the Forres Academy and Applegrove Primary School staff to discuss the proposal. Opportunities will also be arranged for impacted pupils at each school to engage in the consultation in a manner appropriate to their age. 12.9. An online survey will be available from 18 September 2025 as part of the consultation. This can be completed at the following address: https://engage.moray.gov.uk/embeds/projects/44023/survey-tools/50564 – or by Page 63
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scanning the QR code below: 12.10. The Council will also consider any written comments which should be emailed to learningestate@moray.gov.uk. Alternatively, any comments can be sent to Education Estates, HQ Room 231, Elgin Council Offices, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX. Comments should be received no later than 4pm on 13 November 2025 12.11. A copy of this document will also be sent to Education Scotland. They will also receive a copy of any relevant written representations that are received by the Council during the consultation period. They will receive a copy of any oral representations made at the public meeting and a copy of any other relevant documentation. Education Scotland will then prepare a report on the educational aspects of the proposal. In preparing their report, they may visit the schools impacted and make such reasonable enquiries they consider appropriate. 13. Consideration of Consultation Responses 13.1. The Council will review the proposal having regard to the Education Scotland Report, written representations that it has received, and oral representations made to it by any person at the public meeting and the online survey responses. It will then prepare a report on the consultation. This report will be published in electronic format and will be available on the council website. 13.2. The report will include a record of the total number of written representations made during the consultation period, a summary of the written representations and a summary of the oral representations made at the public meeting. The report will also include the Authority’s response to the Education Scotland Report, a response to issues raised through any written or oral representations it has received, together with a copy of the Education Scotland Report and any other relevant information, including details of any alleged inaccuracies and how these have been handled. The report will also contain a statement explaining how the Council has complied with the requirement to review the proposal in light of the Education Scotland Report and representations (both written and oral) that it received. 13.3. The last section of the report will include an officer recommendation as to whether the proposals should be adopted and implemented. The Consultation Page 64
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Report will be published at least three weeks prior to the Council making a final decision. 14. Decision Making 14.1. The consultation report will be considered by Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee who will be asked to review and make comment on the officer recommendation. 14.2. Following discussion and recommendation at the Education, Children’s and Leisure Committee, Full Council will consider the report and be asked to approve the officer recommendation in the report. This is expected to be in February 2026. 15. Conclusion 15.1. The Council believes that the measures proposed in this document will enhance the provision of secondary education within the Forres Associated School Group and further deliver a valuable community hub to the centre of the town. 15.2. This proposal paper is issued in terms of the authority’s procedures to meet the relevant statutory requirements. Page 65
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Forres Academy Relocation Proposal Public Consultation Presentation delivered to all Consultation Meetings APPENDIX 1B1 Page 66
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Consultation Process • School (Consultation)(Scotland)Act 2010 • The 2010 Act’s principal purpose is to provide strong, accountable statutory consultation practices and procedures that local authorities must apply to their handling of all proposals for school relocations and other major changes to schools. • These consultation processes are to be robust, open, transparent and fair. • Public Consultation: Thurs 18 September 2025 to Thurs 13 November 2025 Page 67
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Background • Forres Academy is classified as a non-Rural school under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. • In terms of S7 of that Act any changes to educational provision requires a public meeting to be held as part of the change consultation process. • 16 Sept 2025: Approval for Statutory Consultation on school relocation. CurrentSite Page 68
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Proposal • Current Location: Burdsyard Road • Proposal: Adjacent site within the Applegrove Primary School boundary on Orchard Road in Forres. • Capacity & Future Growth: New academy designed to accommodate secondary pupils based on future school roll forecasts. • Catchment Area: o No changes to the existing catchment area o Pupils currently zoned to the academy will continue to be zoned to the new school • Free School Transport: o 3 miles from secondary school Proposed Site Plan Page 69
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Construction – Phase 1 Form new vehicle access to school. This will be used for construction traffic/deliveries during Phase 1 period. On agreement, restricted delivery times will be in place. Contractor’s lay down and material storage area. Due to limited storage area, ‘just in time’ deliveries will be utilised. Exit to junction of bus drop off area to be formed during a school summer holiday period. Pedestrian management will be in place during these works to maintain access to the core path and play park. Contractor’s pedestrian access for site accommodation to site Contractor’s compound: Site accommodation and welfare - site parking area for the contractor to be within the purple and blue area during Phase 1. Form new bus drop off, cycle and foot path - will also provide access to contractor’s compound and off-street parking. Note: during Phase 2 works, compound area will be de-mobilised, but the area will remain fenced off to allow the re-establishment of the soft landscaping and grassed areas. Vehicle access to site compound, utilising the new junction for bus drop off area. Construction & traffic management strategy Page 70
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Construction & traffic management strategy Construction – Phase 2 Access and operation to existing swimming pool and hydrotherapy pool building maintained. Building separation and demolition works. New sports pitch and car park formed. Existing access and car park maintained for school staff parking during Phase 2 works. Area of existing car parking to be utilised for contractor’s office and welfare accommodation. Page 71
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Completed Project Page 72
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Completed building including landscaping Landscaping • Ecology Garden • Performance Space • Social Space • Active Space • Food Tech Garden • Technical Yard • EP Garden • Dining Page 73
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Educational benefits • Aligned with Scotland’s and Moray Council’s Learning Estate Strategy and Vision • Providing a modern, high-quality learning environment • Further supporting collaborative working and Primary-Secondary learning opportunities • Wellbeing and inclusion focus through building design • Sustainability in build approach • Flexibility of learning spaces • Shared benefits for Forres Associated Primary Schools • Enhanced outdoor learning spaces • Extended partnership working opportunities: inter-generational and community Page 74
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Local Community benefits • Comprehensive, Purpose-Built Facility • Retention of Key Existing Facilities • New Sports & Recreation Opportunities • Community Access to Facilities • Central Location with Improved Connectivity • Improvement to Common Good land (drainage) and wider local area drainage system Page 75
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Public submissions during consultation • A copy of our statutory consultation document which proposes the relocation of Forres Academy can be accessed on the Moray Engage website at: https://engage.moray.gov.uk/new-forres-academy-relocation-consultation • Copies of the proposal are available for reference at: Moray Council, Forres Academy, Applegrove Primary School, Andersons Primary School, Pilmuir Primary School, Kinloss Primary School, Dyke Primary School, Dallas Primary School, Alves Primary School, Logie Primary School, Forres Library, and Elgin central library. • Copy available by email or post, please contact the Education Estate Team at learningestate@moray.gov.uk. • Consultation: 18 September 2025 to 13 November 2025 • Online survey is available: https://engage.moray.gov.uk/embeds/projects/44023/survey-tools/50564 Page 76
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Public submissions during consultation • Any written comments on the proposal must be received by Moray Council by 13 Nov. • Posted to Forres Academy Relocation Consultation - Education Estate, Room 231, Moray Council Office, High Street, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1BX • …or emailed to learningestate@moray.gov.uk Page 77
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Next steps • Public Consultation completes - 13th Nov 2025 • All consultation documentation submitted to Education Scotland • Education Scotland will complete their local consultation and prepare report on of the proposal (3 weeks) • The full consultation report will be published online by the 4th Feb • Considered by ECLS Committee – 11 Feb 2026 • Recommendations to Full Council for final decision – 25 Feb 2026 Page 78
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Discussion Page 79
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Materials Page 84
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Contractor's compound – Phase 1 Page 85
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Contractor's Compound – Phase 2 Page 86
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Consultation Meeting Record (Parents/Carers) Forres Academy 29 October 2025 Forres Academy – Relocation Consultation Parent/Carers Meeting Date: 29 October 2025 Time: 18:30 Venue: Forres Academy In Attendance: Andy Hall Service Manager Education Estate; Denise Whitworth Executive Director; Vivienne Cross Head of Education; Edward Thomas , Head of Housing, Properties and Communities; Stewart McLauchlan, Quality Improvement Manager; Shona Leese Senior Project Officer; Jane Martin Community Support Officer (Learning Estate); Gillian Bailey Community Support Officer (Learning Estate); Pragya Rathore Communications and Engagement Officer; Balfour Beatty: Steven Standring; Atholl McKay; Jackie Lumsden. Attendance: 47 Community Members Meeting Notes Denise Whitworth welcomed everyone and introduced Council and Contractor attendees. Andy Hall provided a 15 slide PowerPoint presentation on the Forres Academy Relocation Proposal highlighting that the public consultation meeting and the consultation process overall would be managed in accordance with the School(Consultation)(Scotland) Act 2010 – a statutory process that should be followed for every major change to a school, including relocation, and that the process was to be open, robust, transparent and fair. It was highlighted that the focus of this public consultation was the education impact and benefits of the proposed relocation of Forres Academy and that there were separate statutory processes underway with respect to other aspects of the Forres Academy project, specifically the planning application and proposed use of common good land, that although would be noted during this consultation would be directly as part of those other processes. Attendees were reminded that the Relocation Consultation Survey would be open from Thursday 18 September 2025 to Thursday 13 November 2025. Discussions Questions from attendees Questions Answers Q1 What is happening with upper playing fields (Mannachie)? Upper playing fields would still be council owned but not planned to be part of the new school boundary. The project has had an initial engagement meeting with Community Groups to discuss future use of this area and other open spaces that may be available should development of the Council preferred progress. The area does have access issues but will not be lost as a green open space. Q2 Concern of pupils – how will they access outdoor space/ outdoor learning/PE? This is a recognised area of concern of users, and we are looking to enhance retained Applegrove PS outdoor space, which is significant. Early discussions with parent council/HT have taken place and this will be extended to pupils in the future on how changes could be made around the school. APPENDIX 1B2 Page 87
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Access to Roysvale for supervised outdoor activities will be managed through the existing booking system, or something similar, currently managed by the Council Leisure and Library team. The new 3G pitch planned for the current Forres Academy site will be an education and community asset and will be available to Applegrove PS pupils. The Forres Academy design has planned outdoor learning spaces e.g. community garden and performance area- which will be accessible to Applegrove PS pupils. Q3 Greater use of Roysvale Park, how will issues such as balls on the road be mitigated against when there is no fence in place? Moray has a “no fencing” approach to schools unless there is an H&S risk that dictates the requirement – e.g. existing fence along Sanquhar Road to prevent Applegrove pupils running onto the road. Andersons use outdoor space that is not fenced – use is supervised. Similarly, the use of the Roysvale site by Applegrove PS for active play and outdoor learning will be supervised. Q4. Is Applegrove going to be competing to use the space? No - there will be a robust management of space. Both schools will have scheduling/timetables for using the space, this will be more rigorously adhered to in the future. Q5 What about other people using Roysvale? The use of the Roysvale Common good for organised activities is managed within an existing booking system, currently managed by the Council Sports and Leisure team. It is expected that the current commonsense trust approach that other members of the community will not encroach onto the area of group use will continue in the future. This is the existing situation with current use of Roysvale common good by Forres Academy for sports and health and wellbeing use. Q6 Grant Park has signage of school/sport use displaying “No Dog” signs, will this be the case at Roysvale? This will be considered as part of the of any future common good use process for which a statutory consultation was undertaken. The project is not looking to change the use of the common good except for the areas that have been identified for long term appropriation (bus drop off) or short-term use (site management) which has been detailed within the common good consultation and will be the subject of a future court application. Q7 Use as a community asset gym, who else will be using the building? Lossiemouth has a gym on the first floor & a library – no barriers to public, concerns are around public The east wing of the school will be designed to support controlled access to the public during the school day using electronic access-controlled doors and a managed reception space. Support to the safeguarding of young people is paramount in the design considerations that have been informed Page 88
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walking around schools. Public mixing with pupils is a concern. throughout by Core Education staff and Forres Academy to establish a safe design and use model. The public will not “be walking around the school and no unsupervised mixing with pupils Q8 Fewer classrooms, classes not large enough for teaching and support, spaces to support ASN. Class sizes – a lot of time has been spent on reviewing class sizes, acknowledging the needs of pupils, and providing adaptable and flexible spaces including smaller workspaces and de-escalation/breakout areas to support all learning needs. With an increase in ASN – whilst understanding and meeting the needs of support staff & teachers. Working on mandatory training to meet needs in individual classrooms and there will be an enhanced provision in the school – smaller/flexible spaces addressing the needs of neurodiversity etc. creating inclusive spaces and classrooms with calm environments. Detailed usage studies have been conducted to understand how spaces are being used with a likelihood that teachers will be in the same area/classroom for most of the time but may have to move or change their way of working to allow the building to be used efficiently and efficiently. The large atrium space addresses the differing ways to deliver education and the ways pupils learn. The Atrium provides a space that meets a mix of large and small spaces during normal curriculum delivery and exams, together with providing a useful community use space outside of school hours. The atrium also resembles tertiary education learning space examples and so aids transition learning for senior phase students. It will be up to the school to determine how spaces are used based on the cohort of pupils. This adaptable design approach also helps with neurodiversity pupils and has been tried and tested successfully elsewhere. Q9, Are we learning from other new school builds? Are you proposing use by other agencies e.g. police? Yes - lessons identified from other recent builds (Lossiemouth and Elgin HS) have been take account of. There was some initial engagement with blue light services with a view to site co-location however this was dependent on dual funding which was not forthcoming so did not progress. Police Scotland will not be moving into the new school building under current plans. Similarly, the library design is based on school use. However, the use of the building may change over its lifetime, noting this could be up to 60 years. Page 89
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Q10 With these new ways of working, recruitment, and retention – does this new way of working have teacher buy-in? The Education and Learning Team will review and manage the school in terms of what is best for the current needs of pupils and staff, and these may change depending on the cohort of pupils. We will ensure staff are fully aware and know how they will be working. We are not trailblazers, and this is not new practice. This is looking at how education is delivered now and looking outward how education can be delivered. The new ways of working will be accordance with existing and future Working Time Agreement (Scotland) – which allocates hours to staff for the tasks out with of class contact time. Q11 What is the feedback from teachers? Teachers are trained to deliver in the correct way for the cohort in the school, with a central resource to help upskill teachers. Staff have visited several 3-18 Campuses across Scotland, showing different ways of working in practice, their positive experiences have been shared with local teaching staff. For example, within the Lossiemouth High flexible spaces – team teaching year groups. It is good for teachers to work together as can learn from peers. The Head Teacher and senior management team will spend time preparing plans for preparing staff on how to work in the new facility supported by the project team as the design is finalised. Q12 How will pupils be supported in a transition to new layouts? Pupils will be engaged whilst the building is progressing. Pupils will be able to visit the building (under supervision) and experience 3D/virtual tours during the process. Their experience of school will be enhanced within the new state of the art facility. Q13 When is the build due to commence and how will Applegrove PS be helped during this phase? It is planned to break ground in June 2026. Applegrove PS will be fully briefed and strongly supported prior to and during construction. Balfour Beatty have a wealth of experience in building close to existing schools, however, concerns during construction of noise, dust traffic will all fall under the Construction Site Management Plan, which is part of the Planning Application, and will be continually reviewed. Contact between site and school management will be a priority during construction. Q14 40% of Applegrove PS pupils have ASN requirements This can be accommodated with actively encouraging site visits as learning experience. Community benefits, Balfour Beatty will go into Applegrove PS and actively engage pupils as various aspects of the project develop. We do not want the construction to be disruptive but to bring benefit. Q15 Community use, but how will this work simultaneously? Partner Agency use may want a space within the school, we understand the concern of shared use, however: it will be supervised, controlled access, safeguarding is key – we are looking at how this works elsewhere – supervised and Page 90
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how intergenerational working/ peer group/role models. It is not in the plans/design for other services (police) to use the building however, if the roll changes over time 20/30 years the use of the building may change. Police are not moving into the school as their premises, however, other buildings across the UK/Europe now do this. Currently seeing fall in school rolls: use of the building may change in the future. Q16 Library – how would that work if public using same time as school? Emphasised that there is no proposal for police use or for a public library within the school; however, consideration has been given during design of the building so it can be flexible in the future. Older and younger people interact in any public library – and it is how Forres Community House library works now – with a mix of all age ranges. A combined school and public library operate at Lossiemouth HS and Milnes HS highlighting the potential to develop and use a mixed us model wider. The long-term forecast is falling school rolls across Moray and therefore we should be designing and building our school to be flexible and adaptable for the future. Any future use will agree and developed through engagement and consultation with all school and wider community stakeholders. There is an advantage to children and young people mixing with older generation – the two-way benefits of intergenerational interaction learning proven. Benefits seen in other school settings where older people are reading with pupils but on a supervised basis to ensure safeguarding. Q17 Are you confident about the construction timetable? Key project stages to successful complete including Common Good court submission, planning process and this relocation consultation for which time has been factored into the project timeline. We are working closely with Balfour Beatty to meet the current Oct 2028 operational handover of the school. It will be a challenge and there are always risks in construction programmes that may delay delivery. Q18 Cost – what is the budget? What is the funding mix and is it a fixed price build? The budget is £87.5 million; it is a fixed price. The design and build will be fully funded by the Council through Capital borrowing with the Scottish Government Learning Estate Improvement Programme providing Outcome Based Revenue funding over 25 years which should be over 50% of the project costs. Page 91
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Q19 If all permissions granted by May 2026, would Balfour Beatty be ready to start? Provided all planning requirements are meet and commercial terms agreed Balfour Beatty should be ready to start in late May/early June 2026. Denise Whitworth closed meeting 8:15pm, thanked everyone for attending and advised if there were any further questions, to respond to the consultation by survey, letter, or email. Page 92
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Consultation Meeting Record (Public) Forres Academy 4 November 2025 Forres Academy – Relocation Consultation Community Date: 04 November 2025 Time: 18:30 Venue: Forres Academy In Attendance: Karen Greaves, Chief Executive; Edward Thomas, Head of Housing, Properties and Communities; Vivienne Cross Head of Education; Andy Hall Service Manager Education Estate; Stewart McLauchlan, Quality Improvement Manager; Shona Leese Senior Project Officer; Jane Martin Community Support Officer (Learning Estate); Gillian Bailey Community Support Officer (Learning Estate); Pragya Rathore Communications and Engagement Officer; Balfour Beatty: Atholl McKay; Jackie Lumsden. Attendance: 23 Meeting Notes Edward Thomas welcomed everyone and introduced Council and Contractor attendees. Andy Hall provided a 16 slide PowerPoint presentation on the Forres Academy Relocation Proposal highlighting that the public consultation meeting and the consultation process overall would be managed in accordance with the School(Consultation)(Scotland) Act 2010 – a statutory process that should be followed for every major change to a school, including relocation, and that the process was to be open, robust, transparent and fair. It was highlighted that the focus of this public consultation was the education impact and benefits of the proposed relocation of Forres Academy and that there were separate statutory processes underway with respect to other aspects of the Forres Academy project, specifically the planning application and proposed use of common good land, that although would be noted during this consultation would be directly as part of those other processes. Attendees were reminded that the Relocation Consultation Survey would be open from Thursday 18 September 2025 to Thursday 13 November 2025. Discussions Questions from attendees Questions Answers Q1 Nothing wrong with the existing site for redevelopment Flooding – not the burn, it is due to downpipes. RAAC can be removed and replaced. No need for new utility services New site too tight A flat roof design should not be used. Flooding - the current site is a flood plain and current school acts as a flood barrier. There would be issues with gaining planning application given current planning legislation regarding development on flood risk areas. However, even if these were able to be overcome the building would require to be on a raised platform which would present accessibility issues and not meet the reduced embodied carbon targets set to receive Scottish Government funding through Learning Estate Improvement Programme. The RAAC is not restricted to small areas of the existing building it is throughout the school. To address would need to take whole school down to basic steel infrastructure to refurbish. APPENDIX 1B3 Page 93
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The timescale to conduct a phased refurbishment build on the current school site would put the SFT funding at risk as would not be able to complete within the specified timescale. Pupils would also face serious disruption to their education due to the requirement for phased build and decant accommodation. The proposed site does not have these issues. The new school project will look to improve flood alleviation around the Mosset Burn and improve drainage on the preferred Applegrove/Roysvale and surround location. The project will deliver a new modern building fit for purpose for the next 60years. The new build will have a 4-degree pitch roof – it is not flat. The preferred Applegrove site is tight for construction purposes hence the proposal for use of Common Good for contractor laydown which we will seek court approval to do so; however, it is more than suitable for a new build school. Q2 Parking – use car park opposite school on Orchard Road The proposed new school car park will be for teachers, and it will be a school management issue to ensure that this is adhered to. The understanding is that Applegrove PS staff currently use the public car park off Orchard Road and do not see any change to this. Q3 Applegrove PS Playing field is fenced, Roysvale is not fenced Moray has a “no fencing” approach to schools unless there is an H&S risk that dictates the requirement – e.g. existing fence along Sanquhar Road to prevent Applegrove pupils running onto the road. The exist Applegrove PS playing field has a simple post and wire fence – it is not a security fence but delineates the school from the path and common good land. Andersons use outdoor space that is not fenced – use is supervised. Similarly, the use of the Roysvale site by Applegrove PS for active play and outdoor learning will be supervised. Q4. What about other users of Roysvale Park? Access to Roysvale for supervised outdoor activities will be managed through the existing booking system, or something similar, currently managed by the Council Leisure and Library team. Both schools will have scheduling/timetables for using the space, this will be rigorously adhered to in the future. Page 94
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It is expected that the current commonsense trust approach that other members of the community will not encroach onto the area of group use will continue in the future. This is the existing situation with current use of Roysvale common good by Forres Academy for sports and health and wellbeing use. Q5 Bus Lane – distance between car park to new school not significant, teachers can walk but not children? The bus lane ensures that the substantial number of pupils that use Council transport safe access to school as directed for health and safety reasons by Council Roads and Transportation colleagues. The new car park is not considered a significant distance for teachers to walk. Town-based children will exit the new school from the south via existing safe/active travel routes. Q6 Accessibility parking? Accessibility parking is incorporated into the north side of the school for staff and visitors who require this. Q7 Can you build on Applegrove Playing Fields – is it Common Good Land The land that Applegrove PS occupies was originally common good; however, this has been Council- owned lands since late 1950s. Roysvale Park is Common Good The project is not looking to change the use of the common good except for the areas that have been identified for long term appropriation (bus drop off) or short-term use (site management) which has been detailed within the common good consultation and will be the subject of a future court application. Q8 With respect to September Council paper Susan Slater – EIS Union Rep – stated that schools do not need to be located together to achieve collaborative working. The comment is one view. Council view is that it is correct that staff can collaborate when not collocated, however, the proximity of two schools makes it easy to facilitate collaborative staff working especially within the framework of the existing Working Time Agreement (Scotland) Q9 What if threatened with removal of funding? Tight timescale Small site Drainage – surface water The inference of the question is that there is a project delay – there is not and the project is currently working to planned timescales for operational delivery in Oct 2028 There is a risk that there may be a delay in obtaining any of the statutory approvals required to go ahead with construction towards the end of May/June 2026. Any issues of extended project time will be discussed with Scottish Government but do not expect this will see loss of funding - especially given will be fully funded by the Council through Capital borrowing with the Scottish Government Learning Estate Page 95
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Improvement Programme providing Outcome Based Revenue funding over 25 years which should be over 50% of the project costs. The preferred Applegrove site is tight for construction purposes hence the proposal to use Common Good for contractor laydown which we will seek court approval to so; however, it is more than suitable for a new build school. Drainage – Civil engineers have worked alongside planning, SEPA, Scottish Water and are also statutory consultees of the planning application. Design will have a dedicated rainwater management that will improve the condition of the park and where the school will be built. Q10 Timescales for Statutory Processes If one or all fail what happens? Planning application process expects to be completed by early February. Common Good court application to be submitted– still understanding timescales as these will be determined by the court however expectation is that they fall within the project programme timescale. The project is progressing in expectation of statutory approvals. If these are not forthcoming, then alternative will be pursued; however, it is cost prohibitive to progress with more than one option. Q11 Is this something Balfour Beatty has built before and met timelines? Balfour Beatty has experience in constructing both Primary and Secondary schools in Scotland; this is their core business. Across Moray/Aberdeenshire/Aberdeen City spend is £500 million on Education facilities. This is the fourth school project with Moray Council. Balfour Beatty are confident with the program, design, and buildability. All schools have distinctive designs however able to use metric information to calculate timescales for building. During detailed design – confirm/review timescales. Learning & Teaching in ASN– predict future differences, lessons learnt from Lossiemouth High School and Elgin High School have been incorporated in the design, we have also visited schools across Scotland. There is consistent feedback on requirements that flexible & adaptable spaces are required. The Forres build is benefiting from lessons identified from local and national projects and improvements incorporated within the design. Page 96
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Q12 Have lessons on school design been learnt from previous projects to incorporate into the design? The Forres build is benefiting from lessons identified from local and national projects and improvements incorporated within the design. Lessons learnt from Lossiemouth High School and Elgin High School have been incorporated in the design. Project, Education and School staff have visited recent schools across Scotland to see best practise in design. There has been emphasis on designing flexible and adaptable spaces to meet future pupil cohort needs – included focus on increase ASN design support. The design team have worked hard on using spaces as much as possible. With the use of space as close to 100% as possible including factoring in the needs of ASN requirements with an Enhanced Provision base for forty pupils and ASN support spaces throughout the mainstream school design. Q13 New build issues of noise, vibration, traffic, and dust New building will block out the light to local properties. The design is not in keeping with the area All these issues have been addressed in the detail Planning Application documentation submitted that was made available as part of that statutory consultation which the public have had the opportunity to comment. Council Planning Officers will review these and make any recommendations. The building design has taken account of the height of the planned new school, and its impacts on daylight to existing buildings. A review was undertaken in relation to the Veteran’s Housing Scotland properties, and this information is in the planning application, no other properties will be impacted. The building design seeks to use materials and colours that replicate the sandstone and slate roofs of the traditional properties along Sanquhar and Orchard Road Q14 Area around the proposed site floods – with some area sewage smells Acknowledged issue with standing water on Roysvale Park due to high water table. Planning application submission provides detail on site drainage improvements which includes a dedicated new rainwater sewer to reduce water entering the combined sewer in the future. This will address issues around the current Applegrove PS site but not the bottom of Tolbooth Street which is a wider Scottish Water issue Q15 Parents pick up/drop off and will park anywhere creating issues along Orchard Road Options to address any parking issues along Orchard Road will be agreed with Roads and Transportation colleagues – and may take form of a project planning obligation. Enforcement of any parking restrictions to be agreed Page 97
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Q16 Can the new Forres Academy continue to use the Plasmon and Mannachie fields? The distance to Mannachie Fields from the new school and condition of access paths make this area unsuitable. This is already an issue with the existing Academy site and why the school already uses Roysvale. The school may continue to use the Plasmon green space for some sports activities in addition to the future of Roysvale Q17 Veterans Housing representative raised numerous issues like Q13. Veteran’s garden – pupils will use as short cut to school. Issues of parking – and use of public car parks by staff and on street by parents (as per Q15) Q13 response applies. There has already been a multi-agency meeting with Veterans Housing Scotland residents in the cottages adjacent to the Applegrove site. Balfour Beatty will continue to organise similar meetings in the future to communicate project status and plan and listen to and seek to address any future concerns. Audience response that the last meeting was only communicated by the Council at the last minute. This was corrected as the communication error was with Veteran Housing Scotland, who have since apologised. Pupils will be entering the school from the south so the gardens will not be a shortcut. However, any issue of trespass or anti-social behaviour should be report to the school now and in the future. Parking – reiterated answer already given at Q15. Academy Teacher car parking with be in similar place to now Q18 Questioned previous public consultation meeting (Planning) that stated that Applegrove Primary School already used Roysvale playing field for outdoor activities Acknowledged this was an incorrect statement because of a miscommunication. Applegrove PS use of Roysvale Park to date has been minimal. Q19 Sanquhar Road double parking – how can this be prevented? There may be conditions of planning application. Access to bus drop off outside school times should reduce double parking on Sanquhar Road. Statement that this would be teachers in the future cannot be proven – however as Moray Council employees’ teachers would be directed to use the dedicated school car park. Q20 Bus Lane when waiting – can they switch off their engines? This is a valid point; this would be taken up with bus operators who are currently going through procurement for new contracts – this can be added to the contract requirements. Q21 Albert Street – cannot get out as it is a death trap. Getting out of the house, at bus drop off right there! Cannot comment on personal experience. Any current ‘dangerous’ experiences should be reported to the Council Roads and Transportation team to respond. Page 98
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The transport survey undertaken as part of the planning application – with the volume of traffic not expected to change during drop off and pick up. All contractor traffic movements planned to avoid these times. Recent school ‘hands up survey’ information demonstrates that there should be limited car drop offs as most Forres A pupils walk or cycle to school – and these vehicle movements will have been identified during transport survey. Project will continue dialogue with transport colleagues and communicate any issues with residents – focus on parking and access to and from Orchard Road and Sanquhar Road including parking outside Applegrove and Veteran Housing Scotland cottages. Q23 Planning documents do not contain height of building The detailed answer was not available so agreed to take query away and updated FAQ’s and consultation document. Meeting follow-up: The highest point of the school building from floor level, excluding rooftop plant, is 13.8 metres, indicating the main structure’s elevation. The absolute highest point of the school, including rooftop plant, reaches a max 16.6 metres. Q24 Flooding is an issue around the Roysvale site, and an alternative site should be considered Previous answers and the planning application provide full detail on the planned mitigation of flooding and high-water table levels issues on and around the preferred site. Q25 Various consultations and engagements with the public, frustration that the public are not being listened too. We are listening, you may feel we are not listening, but we are and providing answers. Many may not accept the Council response, but we have been open and transparent with information shared when available – either through the online FAQs or the statutory process – e.g. Pre Planning Application Notice and Planning Application itself Q26 Could you shed some light on community access to facilities. Community access is part of the design of every new school build. Facilities such as the assembly hall, dance studio, servery kitchen (with hot water and support for food serving) are all included to ensure the school supports the evolving needs of the community. In addition to these indoor spaces, the plans also feature multiple outdoor spaces around the new school that include an ecology garden, shared performance space, social and outdoor dining areas, sensory garden. Page 99
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The existing hydrotherapy pool, swimming pool and fitness suite will be retained to the south of the site, providing a variety of environments for recreation, health, and wellbeing. Community space is also a consideration within the existing school site landscaping plans post demolition. Q27 Why are we not using the existing site which is protected by the existing flood alleviation scheme and has all the services required? Despite the flood alleviation scheme the existing site still within a designated flood plain and so is subject to specific planning limitations which the project does not consider will be met by a refurbished or new build on the existing site. It would require an excessive amount of concrete to raise the site and therefore not meet an embodied carbon requirement set within the Scottish Government LIEP 3 funding model. Any current site option would be extremely disruptive with a requirement to decant pupils and staff for extended periods of time – and find alternate long term staff parking options. The existing site would also require an upgrade to services – like the preferred site but without improvement of Roysvale/Applegrove drainage. Edward Thomas closed meeting 8:15pm, thanked everyone for attending and advised if there were any further questions, to respond to the consultation, or email learningestate@moray.gov.uk Page 100
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Online Public Meeting Record – Online Teams Meeting, 6 November 2025 Forres Academy – Relocation Consultation Online Meeting Date: 06 November 2025 Time: 18:30 Venue: Teams In Attendance: Andy Hall Service Manager Education Estate; Shona Leese Senior Project Officer Education Estate Attendance: 4 (2 attending the meeting at 7:00pm) Meeting Notes Due to a couple of attendees who had not attended the 4 November in-person meeting it was agreed with the initial attendees to start with Q&A arising from 4 November meeting – this was paused when new attendees joined at 7pm and Andy Hall provided a 16 slide PowerPoint presentation on the Forres Academy Relocation Proposal followed by a continuation of the Q&A session. Relocation Consultation process based around 2010 school act – statutory consultation – process open, robust, transparent, and fair. Relocation Consultation Survey is open until from Thursday 18 September 2025 to Thursday 13 November 2025 Discussions There was lengthy discussion on the relocation of Forres Academy the questions arising from the discussion from attendees are as follows. One attendee made a long statement that they had numerous concerns over many aspects of related to the location and design of the school. A number of these are related to the Planning Application and the Common Good statutory processes and will be address there. The remainder of the concerns have been captured in the Q&A notes below. Questions Answers Q1 Is the new school project connected to the closure of the Forres House Community Centre or local library? There is no link between the new school project and any closure proposal for the Forres House Community Centre or library, despite community concerns and discussions elsewhere in Moray about community assets Q2 What facilities and community benefits will the new school provide? The new school is intended to function as a community hub with state-of-the-art facilities, including a dance studio, up-to-date gym areas, trampoline training provisions, and a large assembly hall for performances. Outdoor community spaces and enhanced performance areas are also included, aiming to expand on available opportunities rather than replace existing ones in the town Q3 Concerns were raised about traffic and pupil safety with the new bus drop-off plan on Sanquhar Road and could it stay at Burdsyard Road? We have had numerous conversations with our transport colleagues looking at an option for the bus drop off and the safe option for a bus drop off and a bus pick up. It was clearly stated to us that they do consider Burdsyard Road is a safe option due to the number of buses that APPENDIX 1B4 Page 101
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Why can it be considered safe for children to cross the Burdsyard Road to access the 3G pitch but not when dropped off/pick up by buses support a considerable number of pupils from number of rural communities and arrive during the same period each day to pick up and drop off. This considerable number of pupils will be kept safe with dedicated bus drop-off and traffic calming measures. Only smaller, supervised groups will cross the roads for activities like accessing the 3G pitch – and this will be supported by additional traffic calming measures on Burdsyard Road Q4. How is the project addressing community worries about green space and outdoor facilities for both schools and Community? After allocating space for the new school the outdoor space provision at Applegrove PS will still exceed 1967 Act requirements, and that managed, supervised access and enhancements to outdoor spaces are planned for both schools. A smaller area of Roysvale Common Good will remain available for school and wider community use during construction but other than the loss of small area to for the bus drop off – with 14600m2 remaining as outdoor space. The removal of the existing school building will provide access to further relandscaped areas adjacent to the Mosset Burn and access to a 3G pitch. Q5. Applegrove Primary School is going to lose green space for the pupils to play. Applegrove Primary School is even with the site taking away the green space exceeds the requirement from the1967 statutory requirement for the whole space. The current Applegrove PS total site area is 29,410m2 which will reduce to 13465m2 with the new Forres A build – which is in excess of the 12140m2 requirement set out in the 1967 legislation. On project completion Applegrove PS will have access to both Roysvale and 3G pitch In addition, the project is working with the Applegrove Primary school community to identify opportunities to further enhance the play and learning spaces around the school. Q6 What measures are planned to address flooding concerns with the new school site? The new development will use attenuation tanks and restricted, gravity-fed surface water drainage to the burn, reducing runoff into existing sewers and not requiring pumps, aiming to improve the site’s drainage overall. The drainage design approach has been discussed in detail with both SEPA and Scottish Water Q7 What is going to be the actual height of the new building? The highest point of the school building from floor level, excluding rooftop plant, is 13.8 metres, indicating the main structure’s elevation. The absolute highest point of the school, including rooftop plant, reaches 16.6 metres. Q8 What is the expected lifespan of the building? The new school is planned to serve the community for an estimated 30 to 60 years, reflecting its long-term role in local education infrastructure. Page 102
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Q8 Concerns about the school's relocation into a densely populated area, impacts on residents (including veterans and those with mental health issues), and the well- being of the community including during the construction phase. The construction team has experience working in urban environments and have plans to minimise impact of construction. The Roysvale football pitch and key green spaces will be maintained, with only a small area used for construction and bus drop-off. The project delivery team has engaged and will continue to engage with veterans and will working with support organisations to address and mitigate their concerns. Green spaces will be maintained, with only a small area used for construction and bus drop-off. Q9 Central Location Rationale The detailed rationale supporting the preferred central location for the new school is set out in the report to Council on 22 May 24 that is available on the Council website. At the time of the Council decision (entitlement for council provided school transport if >2miles from school) alternative sites would require transport for pupils who reside within town boundary. Andy Hall closed meeting 8:25pm, thanked everyone for attending and advised if there were any further questions, to respond to the consultation, or email learningestate@moray.gov.uk. Page 103
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School Year Group No of Pupils 1. What do you think might be some of the good things about a new Forres Academy? 2. What do you think might be some of the not so good things about the new Forres Academy? 3. What might the advantages and disadvantages be of the new Forres Academy location next to Applegrove Primary School? 4. Do you have any worries about the new Forres Academy? 5. What are that you most excited about with a new Forres Academy? 6. What are you least excited about with a new Forres Academy? Additional Comments Alves Primary P6/7 21 Necessary because the old building is falling apart. Bathrooms will be nice and fresh. Better PE facilities Better learning – some existing classrooms cannot be accessed. Everyone will need to learn the new layout – being late to class due to getting lost. Potential conflict between secondary and primary pupils. Noise complaints from neighbours and people living nearby. New school located on Applegrove’s playing field so primary pupils have less space to play. They will lose their football pitch during and after building. Noise of building will disrupt learning at Applegrove. Firedrills (or real fires) at Applegrove – where will pupils go as concrete playground is too small for whole school. Forres Academy will be more central than it is currently so walking times are reduced for more pupils. Building works disrupting learning plus noise and dust pollution. Younger pupils coming into contact with older pupils vaping, swearing, bad behaviour. Potential anxiety for existing pupils getting to know the new school. Incidents involving police. Disruption to learning during the move in autumn 2028 – prelims affected? Teaching resources. Fresh and new. Being able to move around freely and do things we can’t do in the existing building. Andersons Primary P2 28 Nice Building Close to my house Lots of new things Applegrove doesn't have as much playground That is a shame You can see your older friends and play with them We wouldn't know the older boys and girls They might be mean to us We are worried Applegrove doen't have a field It is new It might be scary Andersons Primary P3/4 25 298 People have to wait until it's finished Applegrove won't have as much grass to play on New school not so close to swimming piil Children might get mixed up Too close to Applegrove During building Applegrove children won't be abe to concentrate as well Children from Applegrove might run into the building site Noise - wont be able to hear teachers or each other Building - Too scary for littlep1's No grass to play on People could get hurt in the construction site Be able to use the upstairs New playing pitch Meet new friends Nw building might be better A lot bigger Andersons Primary P4 26 Good size Looks Good not falling apart good parking closer to homes could Applegrove get the grass triangle between Orchard Road and Sanquar Road Don’t like losing path for bus stopping area taking to much space from Applegrove bad location - next to too may houses teenagers vape and might share with Applegrove pupils lot of disruption for Applegrove as it gets built teenagers may say bad things and Applegrove would hear Advantages pick up siblings see older brother/sister/frieds Disadvantages High school pupiks may take videos of Applegrove pupils bad words being used and heard by the younger pupils half day Friday - disruption and noise for Applegrove High school pupils setting bad examples for younger to follow? Won't be able to bike home safely with path being used for busses high school passing food to Applegrove pupils (chips, sweets) New teachers feel safe because it's new new building might improve standars New school building to go too That it won't be that good at the academy, not lovely forr and anything Andersons Primary P5 29 More people might want to join the school Brand new rescources New technology More space for clubs and sports How current sports and cclubs will be affected The history of the old school could be lost The swimming pool will become busier Disadvantage Academy pupils might try to cut through the playground at applegrove Possible arguments with two schools being so close Will there be fences around the new schools grounds? A new building More space for different subjects More sports opportunities A little futher to walk for swimming in P.E Getting lost in a big building Andersons Primary P5/6 24 Biigger playingfield Running track Astroturf Better facilities Bat roosts Takes up to much space Very close to Applegrove Younger pupils may hear inappropriate comments shadow tennis club Car park far away Older child might bully primary school See disadvantage above (Q2) Advantages See buddies Youger child can learn from Forres Academy P7's can have more transition Stll see sibling New trees planted Anxiety ming be scared of moving Not built on time Change of routine Running track - ✓✓✓ 3G pitch - ✓✓✓ Easier to walk to Bus parking slot Old academy taken down New car park Overlooking Applegrove, too close Bullying Moving from old to new building mid term Built off schedule Far distance of car park Lost in school Andersons Primary P6 28 might have big bathrooms better ti have space to all learn toghether more bike racks Play area and canteen might be small Lots mor traffic and traffic lights difficult for Applegrove - they will have to cross roads Difficult for Applgrove to ose playing field Eas for Applegrove pupils to change to Academy Academy pupils might scare young Applegrove pupils Want to be able to do other things than running/football on playing field Still get to town for lunch New experience Newer building Larger building People getting lost might be too small less space to play Applegrove need playing space Andersons Primary P7 24 IT will be a modern building with more space for each departnent, well organised and clean It will be disruptive when it's getting built. There may be problens with parking and getting teachers. Also, new pupils into S1 might need to have 2 new schools You could see some of your friends if they are in Applegrove. It might be disruptive during the break times and the Acadmey pupikks might pick on the primary ones. Will ther be enough space fo sports areas. Also, moving buildings during exams. A nice looking building that wll be nice to be in, good location for getting out for lunch. How busy it will be. How big the building will be to get around in. Applegrove Primary P2/3 14 That went we move to the academy it isn’t too far. We will get to see kids we know more. We will have brothers and sisters close by. That we still have a swimming pool. We lose the playing field. We won’t have as much space to play. We have nowhere to play football. It is too close, we want some space. The building will take ages and be noisy. We won’t have a place to do sports day. We won’t have the field. The trees could be damaged. The goals will be taken away. They are digging up nature. The older boys and girls will be very close. We would be scared about all the people about and strangers. We don’t have to go far. It will be new. Strangers and lots of people. We lose our field. School Year Group No of Pupils 1. What do you think might be some of the good things about a new Forres Academy? 2. What do you think might be some of the not so good things about the new Forres Academy? 3. What might the advantages and disadvantages be of the new Forres Academy location next to Applegrove Primary School? 4. Do you have any worries about the new Forres Academy? 5. What are that you most excited about with a new Forres Academy? 6. What are you least excited about with a new Forres Academy? Additional Comments Pupil Survey Collated Responses APPENDIX 1C Page 104
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Applegrove Primary P4/5 19 No ideas It will be in the Applegrove playground. It will be too crowded and too many children. It might disturb our learning. We need somewhere to play and run about. We need some grass. It there is a fire alarm where will we line up if the Academy is built there? Where will we play football if the Academy is on our field? Noise and safety when it is being built. It might distract people who are trying really hard on their work. Swear words from the older children! Advantages Seeing some of your older siblings or buddies. Older children can see some of their younger friends. Disadvantages It will be in the Applegrove playground. It will be too crowded and too many children. It might disturb our learning. We need somewhere to play and run about. We need some grass. It there is a fire alarm where will we line up if the Academy is built there? Where will we play football if the Academy is on our field? Noise and safety when it is being built. It might distract people who are trying really hard on their work. Swear words from the older children! Might be harder to walk to school because it will be more crowded. There will be more traffic. 18 Yes 1 No Seeing the building That it might be put in Applegorves playground Applegrove Primary P5 28 A bigger school for the academy pupils. A better, longer lasting structure. It might be safer – no RAAC. The new building will just get wrecked. Advantages: Helps the adults keep an eye on the Primary pupils because they won’t be so spread out. The older academy pupils might help the primary school pupils. Applegrove might get to use the academy science stuff. Disadvantages: “They’re stealing our field.” There might be vapes next to the primary school. Older students being rude to primary students. Not enough space for Applegrove pupils to play. “Where will Applegrove go for a fire alarm?” Academy pupils stealing Applegrove’s property. Bullying from the academy pupils. It will very noisy while being built. Dust will come into our classrooms when the windows are open. Closer to friends and family if it is next to Applegrove. The building work. Applegrove Primary P6/7 24 •The building will be safer. •Closer to friends still in primary school. •Looking forward to making new friends in the new building. •Like the idea of an all-weather pitch. •Don’t like older pupils being so near younger pupils in primary. Might teach them inappropriate things like rude language. •Younger pupils more likely to be exposed to bad habits like vaping from secondary pupils out at lunch. •Not fair on pupils at Applegrove, losing such an important learning and playing space. •Lessens importance of P7s as role models having older pupils so close nearby. •Money spent maintaining field and having things like goalposts. This will be lost. •Impacts wider community, people like using the field for recreational activities. •Don’t like academy pupils being able to access playground so easily. •Restricts green space at Applegrove. Adv Dis •Academy pupils have too much access to Applegrove grounds. •Concerned about increased vandalism due to academy pupil proximity. •Disappointed to lose the space on the field. •Don’t like being exposed to construction site during school. •Worry around younger pupils seeing bad habits from academy pupils, vaping, swearing etc. •Worried about littering and graƯiti within new academy. •Being built on grass, will it be structurally good? •New pitches to play sport on. •The knowledge that building is brand new and safe. •Building will look smart, more unique. Learning a new layout might be stressful for existing pupils. Applegrove Primary P7 25 Safer building New and better facilities such as technology, science labs and kitchen facilities. Nice, clean environment and better classrooms Bigger building More welcoming for students and more spacious It takes up the whole Applegrove field. It will be much busier on the streets and roads around Applegrove and this could be dangerous. It will maybe put leaners off of choosing Applegrove and they will go to Andersons or Pilmuir instead Advantages – not far from the old academy so not adding much on to people’s journeys in the morning. When we leave primary school we will still be able to see our friends and buddies at Applegrove. It will help with primary to secondary transition. Disadvantages – Applegrove will no longer have a field for PE, sports and play at break and lunch. We are going to lose valuable green space. We spent a lot of money on goal posts and they will be removed. Older learners may not set a good example for primary school learners. We are worried about behaviour of academy children. It will be very busy around Applegrove at lunchtime as academy children go out for lunch. What is there to stop academy pupils coming in to the Applegrove Playground or primary school learners wandering in to the academy grounds? The building work, which will take a long time, will be really loud and disruptive for Applegrove pupils and residents. It might also be dangerous. Bullying behaviour. We are worried about settling in to the old building then having to transition to the new building and getting to know our way around. It will be fun to have new facilities and new resources to help us with our learning. We will not have to worry about the roof falling down. Excited that we will have a new school and better opportunities. Getting lost in the new building. It will be confusing.ww That we have to move there. Being close to Applegrove, I would like to be away from my primary school after I transition to the academy to feel like I have moved on. School Year Group No of Pupils 1. What do you think might be some of the good things about a new Forres Academy? 2. What do you think might be some of the not so good things about the new Forres Academy? 3. What might the advantages and disadvantages be of the new Forres Academy location next to Applegrove Primary School? 4. Do you have any worries about the new Forres Academy? 5. What are that you most excited about with a new Forres Academy? 6. What are you least excited about with a new Forres Academy? Additional Comments Page 105
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Dallas Primary P4/7 18 It will look really new and lovely It will be modern and have everything we need to learn It will be exciting to be in a new school It will be close to the High street to go for lunch up the street I will be close to tennis club for after school Nice toilets Sports facilities Too close to a primary school – possibly noisy in the play ground or naughty teens might say bad words in front of primary pupils. Applegrove pupils will get to use the facilities in the new academy but we might not. It might be too big It’s close to houses – would be nicer surrounded by open space like it is just now and like our school is. Advantage – it’s nearer the high street Disadvantage – lots of busses and not so much space Applegrove lose their pitches Teenagers might vandalise the tennis courts at lunch time. Will we be off school when it’s opening / moving ? Will the old building be knocked down after the new one is finished? Will there be a few months when we can’t use the pitches etc while it’s getting built? Will I get lost because it’s too big? That it’s a new building – it doesn’t matter where it is so much. It will look cool Being close to the high street The changes and the building sites in Forres Having a long way to walk to the sports fields. That it’s next to another primary school. (Lots of non-building related comments here!) Dyke Primary P4/5 & 6/7 45 Safe Building New and clean with more classrooms New equipment Location takes play/field space from Applegrove Primary It would be too near to Applegrove Primary and therefore too noisy when pupils are out at playtimes and Forres Academy pupils are in classes. Takes valuable space away from Applegrove e.g. less outdoor/green/PE space Too much noise Parking a concern Mixing of older secondary pupils near younger pupils a concern and the fact that they might hear bad language etc. Worried about the size of the school and if there would be enough space. Kinloss Prmary P4 12 A new pool? Lots of new things like rescources. No more falling down walls It would be safe ? It would be good for moving to the Academy Still see friends who have moved up to Forres Academy Older people (dtudents) might be unkind to primary kids No Being Bigger New stuff ? Kinloss Prmary P4/5 21 "New friends/2 The class are not really awate of the building. Only one knew tht a new school is to be rebuilt. Walking up lots of stairs Seeing my brother there The class can not visualise or see the relevance of this question. Not making friends Getting sore legs wlking up stairs Making new friends Playing with new things Taking a bus to school Walking a long way to school Many children in this class do not think they will go to Forres Academy due to Military parents moving station before they reach S1. Some intend to go to Queen Victoria School (boarding) for their secondary edcucation. Kinloss Prmary P5/6 22 New astroturg football putch Bigger Classrooms safer for children (RAAC) Old one is too old - this one cn have new stuff Better version of what they have Good for current primary schools starting there What will they do with the big car park? Toilets next to each other Are boys and girls bathrooms still going to be shared? Will it be built properly? Some children wiill have to ger used to a new school Applegrove might be affected/distracted Won't be nice for houses nearby as they will be next to the school Where will the do sports day? Not completed Not completed Not completed Kinloss Prmary P6 28 That is is big enough Hopefully it is not going to destroy wildlife Maybe more people will graduate More Bullying? Increased capacity it may be on public land It may disturb wildlife Maybe siblings could see each other Appleforves playing field will be effected More bullying? It may distroy hapitats of animials The primary won't have it's playingfield It will be our high school Bigger catchment area It's closeness to the primary school Kinloss Prmary P7 11 The 3G pitch Thinking about privacy Making it accesible Larger playground Sounds crowded/cramped Where is PE going to happen if the green space's is being built on The old building still being there Advantages: Helpful for Applefrove children moving Disadvantages: Too busy, shadow on Applegrove, louder Cost People already in the school 3G pitch and running track Other people in the school Logie Primary All 22 New classrooms and a giant football pitch. It will be safe, the ceiling won’t fall down and pupils won’t have to go to other places to learn. The pupils might learn more. Get to classrooms quicker if they are closer together. More people to make more friends. New electronics such as new computers. Gives jobs to construction workers. Maybe it will take longer to get to lessons if the building is bigger. Could take some children longer to walk to. Confusing for pupils to learn where to go. Neighbours might get very disturbed by the building noise and noise from pupils. Very bad for the environment because it is taking away a large percent of the field. Too much traffic from construction vehicles. Animal habitats will be destroyed. Traffic problems with no new roads. The schools will be close together and pupils may get distracted or be disrupted. Maybe it will take longer to get to lessons if the building is bigger. Could take some children longer to walk to. Confusing for pupils to learn where to go. Neighbours might get very disturbed by the building noise and noise from pupils. Very bad for the environment because it is taking away a large percent of the field. Too much traffic from construction vehicles. Animal habitats will be destroyed. A new building A new exciting learning space A new, exciting future for Forres Academy Maybe it will take longer to get to lessons if the building is bigger. Could take some children longer to walk to. Confusing for pupils to learn where to go. Neighbours might get very disturbed by the building noise and noise from pupils. Very bad for the environment because it is taking away a large percent of the field. Too much traffic from construction vehicles. Animal habitats will be destroyed. Pilmuir Primary P1/2 49 It will be different. New friends. New resources. Fun It might be too big. The big kids can help the younger ones. What happens to the boys and girls who are already there. Music lessons — better equipment. Making even more friends Pilmuir Primary P3 18 It will be safe. On the plan the new school looks bigger so more children can go there. Hope fully there will be football and basketball courts/pitches. A bigger cafeteria and longer lunch break for people to get served It might be too big. Flat roof — water damage and flooding Applegrove primary are losing some of their playground. Noisy when the children from Applegrove are outside playing. There will be lots of cars and traffic before school and after school for drop off/pick up. There will need to be new traffic signs and speed restrictions put in place. (flashing lights during school times to slow down). There would be lots of bells ringing. The academy pupils can work with the Applegrove pupils There could be special days when they all play together and the academy pupils run play activities/groups for the Applegrove pupils. (play leaders) Applegrove boys and girls won't have a grassy playground to play on Playing at the outdoor gym if it is still there. Making new friends. The new building and furniture. Lots of lunch options Pilmuir Primary P4/5 25 Evertyhing is going to be new. It is closer to Appplegrove It will be on the grassy are of Applegrove The Applegrove chidren won't like it They will get hurt more easily if they only have concrete to pplay on The noise will not be nice while it is being built The Academy will be nice on the inside Teenagers from the Academy might be bullies to the younger children in Applegrove The Applegrove people will get annoyed at the building of the school To make new friends It might smell nice It might be less noisy It might have bigger windows IT will be more updated than the old and a lot better That they are building on someone else's ground School Year Group No of Pupils 1. What do you think might be some of the good things about a new Forres Academy? 2. What do you think might be some of the not so good things about the new Forres Academy? 3. What might the advantages and disadvantages be of the new Forres Academy location next to Applegrove Primary School? 4. Do you have any worries about the new Forres Academy? 5. What are that you most excited about with a new Forres Academy? 6. What are you least excited about with a new Forres Academy? Additional Comments Page 106
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Pilmuir Primary P5/6 22 Places for people that need extra help Baking classes Science The playground looks good Running track Hangout places to play with friends Might be loud because of Applegrove children playing. Too close to another school Loud cars passing Good — you could see your siblings Good - more friends Bad — noisy Bad - might be distracting Might get lost Will there be arrows and maps? New classes It's beautiful Nature round the building Places to sit with friends Getting lost Pilmuir Primary P6/7 23 More Space Facilities will be up to date and more relevant There will be more Classrooms More Safety Features New Equipment Because it is being built in thee Applegrove plying field, they won't have as much space. It will cost a lot of money Lots of people might want to go thre so it will become overcrowded It has three floors. It might take lots of time to move around the school and there coukd be lots of hustle and bustle in the corridors which could lead to incidents Advantages It will be easier for Applegrove to have trasitions to Forres Academy Disadvantages The Academy children leave early on a Friday this will be a distraction for the children at Applegrove Getting to class would be difficult with so many people in the hallways When it is being built, this will be a big distraction for the children at Applegrove PRimary because of the noise Applegrove is a big school and this really limits their space to placy There will be lots of traffic in the area with two schools in the same place It will be easier for Applegrove to have transitions to Forres Academy this would be unfair to the other schools/children Bullying Teachers - Will thre be lots of chages of teachers? Will it be safe? We know the old one and will be unsure of a new building Will children look after the new academy so that it does not get damaged? What will the canteen facilities be like? How wil it be dealt with? How will it cope with the number of pupils? I will be able to see my friends Be able to see a brand new school To be able to go to the canteen in the morning Everything will be new and clean A new place will make me feel worried Being in the first group of pupils to be there, we will come across lots of teething problems The size of it It will be easier for people to sneak out of school because of the size of the new academy It might be a little bit overwhelming for us because will have to go to the old acqademy and then the new academy (it is an extra transition) Page 107
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Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey SURVEY RESPONSE REPORT 19 August 2025 - 16 November 2025 PROJECT NAME: New Forres Academy APPENDIX 1D Page 108
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SURVEY QUESTIONS Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 1 of 71 Page 109
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Anonymous 9/18/2025 01:53 PM It absolutely should NOT be on the applegrove field. The primary school use this field all the time, I feel it should not lose its green space. It will disrupt the primary pupils as well and there is the ASN base too, it will cause too much aggravation. Anonymous 9/18/2025 01:55 PM Wrong site, traffic and flooding issues and loss of green space Anonymous 9/18/2025 01:55 PM Taking away outdoor space from the primary school is a ridiculous idea! The new academy coukd be built on the current buildings car park! Anonymous 9/18/2025 01:55 PM Just get on with it, the NIMBY,s are going to ruin the education of our youths for years to come trying to hold up the process. And as for the Veteran's worried it would trigger their PTSD, the closest action they probably seen was paint balling at Alves. Anonymous 9/18/2025 01:59 PM Ridiculous idea to move it right onto the applegrove school playing area. There are so many other locations more suitable Anonymous 9/18/2025 02:01 PM I have many concerns, but the stand out is linked to Applegrove primary school children, their greenspace, their playground and their mental wellbeing. Removal of Applegrove playing fields- Please don't take this decision lightly. The playing field is well used and loved by kids at Applegrove and is an asset to the school in terms of greenspace and wellbeing. The kids play in this area every break and lunch, they play sports such as football daily, they use this space for PE, for the Monday run club, for their sports days, for outdoor learning, for the daily mile walk, for Applegrove football team training, just to name a few. Where will they play when this turns into a construction site? Where will they do sports day? There is no clear proposal to replace this primary school greenspace and play area. ( sharing a small bit of left over common good land with a secondary school does not suffice ) this area does not belong to the school and is not contained like the playground is. I find it unbelievable that you would even consider taking away green space ! This is a travesty. There is mounting evidence that nature and greenspace has a positive effect on mental health, Yet I just don't think that the cost of removing this open green play space has been fully appreciated and considered. Studies have shown that green spaces can lower levels Q1 Do you have any additional comments or feedback for us to consider? Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 2 of 71 Page 110
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of stress (Wells et al, 2003) and even reduce rates of depression and anxiety and improve general wellbeing (Park et al 2010). Why has there not been more debate around what the primary school children are loosing by choosing this site? Why even consider taking this away when there is a perfectly good alternative greenfield site as an option? Removal of community Greenspace /CGL It speaks for itself, why would we remove greenspace which the community enjoys in the middle of a town? This space is hugely important to the community and it feels that this has been underestimated. (think of the positive benefits this space has on community wellbeing and the environmental impact with its removal.) Will the trees be cut down? The list of concerns goes on........ Construction site within playground and neighbouring space of Applegrove - concern about the impact this will have on the primary aged children at Applegrove. Traffic: this will create MAJOR issues. Already the roads surrounding Applegrove and Roysvale are extremely busy, often gridlock . I speak for experience of dropping off and collecting children Monday -Friday. Always many cars illegally parked. Noise pollution within a Primary school playground whilst kids are trying to learn? The design with 3/4 stories very much gives the feeling that you are trying to shoe horn a building into a compromised small space. Please reconsider, build onsite at current academy site or share why lochyhill was dropped as an option. Anonymous 9/18/2025 02:03 PM I believe the school could be built adjacent to and on the site of the present Forres Academy in a phased build instead of depriving Forres of more of its green space in a central location. I also do not accept that the civil engineers' claim that the flooding risk to the area surrounding the preferred site can be mitigated nor do I accept that the flooding risk presented as the reason for rejecting a phased build adjacent to and on the site of the present Forres Academy. Anonymous 9/18/2025 02:08 PM The fact that the area is prone to flooding due to Victorian sewage systems around the area, unsuitable roads around it, no consideration for home owners around it and not enough land around for any future extensions. Where yes initially it would cost more to build it out towards the Enterprise Park there is already a good cycle and pedestrian path and more accessible road to access. Plus providing a school bus service would cut down emissions from a steady stream of parents with cars. Anonymous 9/18/2025 02:41 PM Listen to local people who pay your wages. Anonymous I do not agree to taking away the green space from Applegrove. Also Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 3 of 71 Page 111
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9/18/2025 02:43 PM the noise and pollution to the learners of the primary school will be unbelievable Anonymous 9/18/2025 02:50 PM Absolutely ridiculous on so many levels. Taking away the green space that the Applegrove Primary children have (which is good for both mental and physical wellbeing), putting a Secondary School into such a small place (far smaller than Lossie High & Elgin Academy which were also new builds) with no room for growth is short sighted to say the least. Having a building towering over the Burdshaugh and Veterans Housing will affect the wellbeing of those residents. A bus lane on Sanquhar Road is just an accident waiting to happen, that road is chaotic enough in the mornings already with children's safety less than ideal as it is. Anonymous 9/18/2025 02:55 PM The land is often water logged. The site is not owned by the council. It is common good land. It is no less then stealing from the community. The other proposed site near Forbes Hill is far better suited. The disruption to the very thin high street and surrounding roads, during the building period will be immense. The residents are being completely ignored and their views stonewalled. I am so ashamed of Moray Council. Anonymous 9/18/2025 03:22 PM My objection is based on not having an academy next to a primary school. Green spaces is irrelevant, Forres has lots of these. Why a gradual rebuild can't be done on the existing site I don't understand. My greatest fear is that this school won't actually get built at all, that there will be so much heel dragging that there are no funds. The young people of Forres desperately need this school ASAP, it feels that we are no further forward. Anonymous 9/18/2025 03:42 PM Forres is fortunate to get a new school when other areas are desperate for a new school and will have to wait. Anonymous 9/18/2025 03:53 PM The site is common good land and land locked for future development. The cost is significantly higher but a far more sensible site would be at Forres enterprise park. Here there is room for expansion of the site in future and it could become a community hub and sports facility centre for the local area. With housing planned on the land currently between the meteorite park and the East side of Forres it makes sense to position the school there for ease of access for busses and transportation, the safety of all staff and pupils, the future expansion of the school if required, being the better prose park into the Forres community and develop the land around this. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 4 of 71 Page 112
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Relocating next to apple grove has severe implications for the outdoor space for apple grove pupils, it is in common good land that is also a flood plane, veterans houses are close by, the site allows for. If you’re expansion, there are already traffic issues with the current site so citing the new building beside this with the same road infrastructure just doesn’t work and there are still issues with crossing roads to access PE facilities and outdoor space. The local community do not want the site at Applegrove and so far, Moray Council are not listening. Please listen! Beside applegrove is not a suitable site. The school must be moved out from that part of town for safety, future development and the community themselves. Anonymous 9/18/2025 04:08 PM I do not agree with the relocation of the new Forres academy next to Applegrove primary. My reasons being - Traffic and congestion are already a problem at the schools as it is. Building a larger school in such close proximity to the primary will be a nightmare and also so dangerous for the younger kids coming out. Another reason being that I don’t believe the area is the best to have more building work done as the flooding there can be extremely bad. Adding more plumbing etc will only add to the problem. Now for my most important reason, The kids at Applegrove use their ground for sports day, playing every day and it was be a travesty for them to loose that. The green space was gifted to the people of Forres and the council shouldn’t be taking that away from them. Also, I don’t believe the kids should be in such close proximity to each other. The older kids are much more boisterous, there can be a lot of fights and just general nuisances. For younger kids to be so close to that isn’t great and it’s also not great for the neighbours that will have to put up with the noise and rubbish too. Please consider the previous place you were looking at before as it will benefit everyone greatly to not have it so close to town. Anonymous 9/18/2025 04:12 PM Support the Academy getting a new build - could Applegrove get some green space from the land beside the legion? Is there funding for Applegrove to get enhancements to their playground in return for losing their green space? Anonymous 9/18/2025 04:25 PM Area offers no further development opportunities Traffic and roads along orchard road don’t cope well with Apple force alone without adding more pressure Car park too far so people will use the town parking opposite Applegrove preventing people from parking for town centre Flood risk being ignored Forres is growing fast - build further out to encompass future developments Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 5 of 71 Page 113
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Anonymous 9/18/2025 04:26 PM Ridiculous idea to place on a restricted plot Anonymous 9/18/2025 04:28 PM No consideration given to locals and houses that will be affected including the veterans cottages Roads will not cope Anonymous 9/18/2025 04:30 PM Better options for development and pupil engagement in sports / community sports if relocated further outwith Forres town centre Anonymous 9/18/2025 04:31 PM Site out of town will push up attendance Anonymous 9/18/2025 04:35 PM Original site of old building or Forbeshill. Accomodating the school in a constrained site has led to the floor plan design including 4 corridor loops. 2 on floor 1 and 2 on floor 2. This is a huge problem in the old building which has one loop. It causes considerable disruption and stress to pupils and teachers alike. Therefore the new building will provide even more opportunity for disturbance leading to negative impacts on learning and teaching. Anonymous 9/18/2025 04:48 PM Use this as an opportunity to to locate the school to an area which will allow for future growth Anonymous 9/18/2025 04:56 PM Loss of playing fields, disruption to both school pupils and local residents are unjustified. Should either be built on the current location on burdyards or at lochyhills Anonymous 9/18/2025 04:56 PM My son will losses alot of play ground it's also not fair on the locals who will stay close to the new academy Anonymous 9/18/2025 04:57 PM Central Forres is perfect but feel the play fields is the wrong spot. It’s such a shame there is no way to build it into the current academy car park. Anonymous 9/18/2025 04:57 PM With all the focus on children’s health and Wellbeing you would think that the council would realize that taking Applegroves grass area away is totally the wrong decision. Why should Applegrove children loss out on playing field just so Forres Academy can get a new building. Building Forres Academy further out would benefit Academy pupils health and wellbeing. Yes they would have to walk/cycle but Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 6 of 71 Page 114
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there is a cycle path for taking them off road. When I was younger we had to walk a mile without pavements to get our bus. Nothing new in walking. Mind boggling… my children all went to Applegrove and the grassy playground was a huge benefit to their health and wellbeing. Anonymous 9/18/2025 05:10 PM Local roads cannot support the facility in that location. Housing overlooked. Building too high Anonymous 9/18/2025 05:13 PM The new school needs to be built as soon as possible in a central location Anonymous 9/18/2025 05:22 PM Proposed site isn't future proof regarding expansion, too much disruption on already overwhelmed transport network, unsafe for anyone who is currently attending academy applegrove and regular users of roysvale park, area is renowned for poor drainage. Anonymous 9/18/2025 05:32 PM The amount of chaos this is going to cause whilst its being built is so unnecessary. Everyone will have to pass the building site to get to the current school. Which is going to make the school run for all primary and secondary parents and pupils a nightmare. Also the disruption this is going to cause the students of Applegrove and the residents around the sit will be unbearable. I don't think the Applegrove site is best suited to the towns and schools needs. Anonymous 9/18/2025 05:46 PM Please do not build the new academy next to Applegrove and please do not use the Applegrove playing field. The new academy should, in my opinion, be built at the lochyhill site which has more room / space for expansion and is better able to deal with school traffic, unlike the already very congested roads around forres schools. Anonymous 9/18/2025 06:04 PM The proposed car park is too far away and ignores normal human behaviour - everyone will want to park near the school so will park on adjacent roads Anonymous 9/18/2025 06:05 PM I support the school being sited centrally and don't have an issue with use of common good land to facilitate this. However, I do not want a school building that is constrained due the site if the school. Please listen to feedback from teachers about the downsides of classroom sharing. The addition of the all weather sports pitch for community use is imperative. Forres as a catchment area is large enough to justify this. Regarding the loss of green space from Applegrove: could Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 7 of 71 Page 115
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the patch of grass on the corner of orchard road and sanquhar road (opposite the legion) be used an extension the their playground? This might appease some of the population opposed on this basis. Anonymous 9/18/2025 06:15 PM I think it’s a great central point close to the current academy, so extra school buses wouldn’t be needed as there is an existing service. Children can easily access the high street at lunch time so businesses won’t be affected adversely. There is plenty of other green space, including Grant Park which can easily be accessed by applegrove pupils for sports day etc, including Grant Park, in the same way that Anderson’s use it. Anonymous 9/18/2025 06:22 PM Why not build on the grass behind the high school have a bridge from the new and old building also extend the building at the back into the car park pushing back the car pack get rid of the basketball court that is never used redo the other basket court on the grass behind cause people use that one. Why take away peoples space in applegrove you are literally setting yourself up for failure for all those kids those kids are gonna get into more trouble then you realise gonna have fights complains and a lot of bullying so better prepare yourself to help that cause you probably won’t care and do anything Anonymous 9/18/2025 06:23 PM This is without doubt the worst possible location for the new academy. At a time when green space and designated outdoor areas have been proven to improve the health and well-being of children, particularly those with special needs, the moray council are going against all the evidence and permanently removing the playing field and replacing it with a three storey building. They are also concreting over a significant area in Roysvale park to be used as bus drop/off pick up points and outwith school hours as a car park for all. This means increasing pollution in a very small area as well as noise. The current green spaces are not only used daily by both schools but also by other groups doing outdoor sports after school and at weekends. The landscape of this area will be changed forever and not for the better. The build itself will take years and is unfair to the poor primary children, the veterans and other local residents. Previous consultations have evidenced that the majority of residents do not want the school here and consider it a terrible choice for the reasons I have listed and whole lot more, Parents themselves constantly complain about the traffic situation on the Grantown Road, Orchard Road, Roysvale and Sanquhar this will only worsen for years as building commencing. Of course all of these points and many many more have already been highlighted to Moray Council and local councillors however they have completely ignored these concerns and are determined to plough ahead. Any sensible person cannot Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 8 of 71 Page 116
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fathom why they would do this, why destroy an area that serves the children of Forres and the wider public so well. Anonymous 9/18/2025 06:32 PM Could the new school not be built on the land behind the existing academy. Lots of space there. Anonymous 9/18/2025 06:35 PM The new academy should not be built in the Applegrove Primary School playground Anonymous 9/18/2025 06:50 PM Applegrove shouldn’t lose there playing field. Forres is a growing town and the new Academy site needs to be in a place where it can be extended in the future if needed. I also feel for the veterans and other residents living adjacent to Roysvale. Also the flood risk. It just seems like the most unsuitable site. Anonymous 9/18/2025 06:53 PM This site is not suitable as it will take away natural drainage, therefore increasing the flood risk to Orchard Road. It will block out light to surrounding bungalows as it will need to be 3 storeys high because of small plot. The roads are too narrow for the large vehicles or to cope with the increased traffic. Why is Forres giving up green space within the town. Why create a concrete town when there is no need? Anonymous 9/18/2025 06:55 PM The road system in this area are not good enough to support this development. The cheapest option is very rarely the best option, just look at the original School, we are paying for it now. Anonymous 9/18/2025 07:04 PM It’s a great central location. Can’t wait to see it improving secondary education for future generations. Anonymous 9/18/2025 07:17 PM I am responding as a committee member of Forres Tennis Club. We have huge concerns over the proximity of the new build to our courts and clubhouse. There are fears that the groundworks may cause structural damage and light will be blocked by having a tall building so close. We will need to see structural and visual impact surveys as part of the planning process. Anonymous 9/18/2025 07:35 PM Forres academy doesn't need 2 car parks and 2 PE sport fields when applegrove will have no car park and no PE sport fields. My son also should not be subject to being next to high school teenagers and hearing their fowl language. I have a daughter in the highschool and Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 9 of 71 Page 117
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know how teenagers can be. And children should not be subject to that or the smoking or anything else that may be in veiw of school children, applegrove should not have their whole field took away. And its pure greed to have 2 car parks and 2 feilds. Its a disgrace. Poor applegrove will have no field and the children I know as my son is one of them love to play football at lunch. Now they wont even have a proper sports day no doubt. The primary school children deserve outdoor exercise just as much as the highschool teenagers. Shouldn't even be happening. Find a different place or stop being greedy and knock down what you have and build it different. I do not agree!!!! Anonymous 9/18/2025 07:38 PM School should not be built in that green belt. Not the area for the new school. A purpose built School at lochyhills by forbeshill with sports field and proper staff car parking with view expand further down the line . And no need to access the A96 school can be accessed from forbeshill road part of the old A96 at lochyhills Anonymous 9/18/2025 07:45 PM The suggested site is not suitable due to poor road access, proximity to houses and applegrove school, as well as being an area at risk of, flooding. It is also too small an area leaving no room to expand in the future, which will be required as Forres is rapidly expanding with new housing estates each year. The site east of Forres would be much more suitable. Anonymous 9/18/2025 07:55 PM We seem to be starting out on a journey that is half thought out. Look at Lossiemouth and Elgin for secondary schools that have an all-in provision of services. Not taking the opportunity to have a pool and better gym facilities along with 4g football pitch is extremely short sighted. Anonymous 9/18/2025 08:18 PM I don't want to see the junior school loose they green space and other people who use the green space and worried about the people who stay in the veterans homes please don't not build the school on our green space Anonymous 9/18/2025 08:39 PM Wrong location!! No room to grow. Don't believe the council are thinking about the future, just the here and now. The amount of money being spend on this site would be the same for some of the other sites that were considered. I want Forres to have best school it can and that does not happen at the purpose site with the amount of short coming happening to make it work. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 10 of 71 Page 118
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Anonymous 9/18/2025 08:40 PM Completely the wrong space, there is no reason why it cannot be built on the existing site as has been done before. It is very narrow minded to think that this will work. Yes it needs to be central but not to the detriment of the pupils. Anonymous 9/18/2025 08:55 PM It is just not practice for numerous reasons. Anonymous 9/18/2025 09:13 PM 1. The area is far too small for a secondary school. 2. The area is prone to flooding. 3. Traffic is already an issue at Applegrove and Orchard Road 4. You are destroying Applegrove Primary School and the experience for their current pupils and future attendees. 5. This site does not make sense as the town expands. Moray Council are choosing this site because it's cheaper. It's lazy, short sighted. It's arrogant to ignore the community's voice on this. No one is happy about this proposed project. Anonymous 9/18/2025 09:23 PM Crack on and get it built Anonymous 9/19/2025 12:45 AM Please just get a move on and start building Anonymous 9/18/2025 09:29 PM No Anonymous 9/18/2025 09:54 PM Start listening to the public. You are only pursuing the Applegrove site to save a few pounds. The traffic will be a nightmare, the loss of common-good land (which IS NOT YOURS, and plans are in place for crowdfunding to take legal proceedings to prevent you stealing it from the people) and also the loss of Applegrove playing fields. Lochyhill is the better option in every single respect, if you stopped squandering money on widening pavements that nobody uses and meddling with road junctions that work perfectly fine until you bugger them up, you'll easily afford it! Anonymous 9/18/2025 09:54 PM You would be taking away much needed green space for our younger children, when it has been proved that these youngster need to be encouraged outside for exercise & enrichment! also green level (flat) space for many local older folks who walk their pets & themselves around the park. The added volume of traffic to the area will be horrendous - more so than it is now & the quality of life for folk who live in close proximity to the proposed site will be heavily affected, Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 11 of 71 Page 119
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some of which are veterans who suffer with ptsd & will find the noise & disruption unbearable . The site is not fit for purpose as it is too small for what is proposed to be built & as Forres is ever extending will very soon become too small for the quantity of pupils & the intended vision of an all weather football pictures & the like! To top all that Roysvale park was left to the people & the people have spoken, everyone agrees a new updated school is required but Forres has spoken & the people of Forres on the whole do not agree the new academy should be built at the proposed site as it is totally unsuitable! I hope the council will indeed listen to the people!! Anonymous 9/18/2025 09:54 PM There was a majority vote against the relocation to the applegrove site which has been ignored. The relocation will cause chaos for not only the pupils of applegrove but the wider community. Anonymous 9/18/2025 10:02 PM I believe the building works on that site will be too much for orchard road especially Tom Ross's as have to stop every time there is a funeral. I also believe in sanquhar road side it will be chaos for traffic heading that direction. I don't believe the site has been chosen correctly and in agreent with the community as I haven't met one person who believes it should be at applegrove. I believe lochyhill is better sited even if it costs more. I believe the veterans at the houses next to Applegrove haven't been considered at all and their needs and trauma. I seriously think it needs to be reconsidered for everyone's benefit. Anonymous 9/18/2025 10:40 PM Get it built, most of the people who are against it have had there children go through the Academy and they don't like change. ITS BEST TO BE BUILT IN A CENTRAL LOCATION -ROYSVALE! Anonymous 9/18/2025 10:43 PM Never going suit everyone but a central location, walkable for most students and the community that will benefit for the additional facilities makes most sense. Spades in the ground before the old one crumbles. Anonymous 9/18/2025 11:37 PM Existing academy site should be considered. Anonymous 9/18/2025 11:43 PM I feel putting the new build onto applegrove playing field will have a detrimental effect on the pupils wellbeing and opportunities for outdoor learning. As for the secondary pupils they two will be affected by having a small building with little opportunities to extend which the school will eventually need as the town is getting bigger with no signs Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 12 of 71 Page 120
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of this stopping. The local residents and the local community already struggle with transport in the area as it is. Is gonna be a huge environmental effect . Anonymous 9/19/2025 12:07 AM terrible idea for a multitude of reasons that have been raised but completely ignored Anonymous 9/19/2025 03:52 AM Use existing academy site. Anonymous 9/19/2025 06:05 AM Should possibly go to the Eastside of Forres on the way to Elgin. Anonymous 9/19/2025 06:45 AM As a parent and teacher I fully support the Applegrove Primary site. Nearly all students can walk there, better for pupil health, sustainable transport etc. As pupils can walk they can better access afterschool clubs. Anonymous 9/19/2025 07:21 AM Flooding issues at lower end of the town at British legion end as water runs right through school grounds Anonymous 9/19/2025 07:36 AM Best place for the Academy, although this should of been done years ago. Anonymous 9/19/2025 08:32 AM Too small an area and will become too congested re traffic parking etc. Lessening the green outside space for primary pupils at Applegrove. Pupil roll will be increasing so proposed allocated space inadequate. Anonymous 9/19/2025 09:21 AM Completing construction as quickly as possible to minimise disturbance of Applegrove students and surrounding community is key. Anonymous 9/19/2025 09:48 AM The site is not big enough, which will undoubtedly limit plans for the school. With this investment it should be dobe right first time around with no restrictions on facilities, schooling, outdoor space! roads will be unable to cope with traffic. Flooding in area Anonymous This location limits any future expansion, short sighted. Leisure centre Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 13 of 71 Page 121
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9/19/2025 09:58 AM may need a future upgrade but these plans also limit this. Community services with suffer long term. Infrastructure is not set up to support this Anonymous 9/19/2025 10:09 AM Site is too small, badly located, taking yet another green space from people of Forres green spaces badly needed for mental health. It will be an eyesore. Children's school playing fields should not be taken away, particularly at such a young age. Somewhere else should be found, a larger area that won't impact on the middle if town and will leave room for expansion. However I feel that this is just an exercise and having already spent a great deal of money the council has already made the decision regardless of what the people of Forres want. Somewhere else should be found. Anonymous 9/19/2025 10:09 AM This site is not big enough for the future as forres is growing at an alarming rate Anonymous 9/19/2025 10:11 AM Significant concerns around traffic. Anonymous 9/19/2025 10:30 AM Orchard Road is extremely congested at the roundabout and really dangerous at the moment with cars parked both sides of the road. This will be much worse if Academy parents drop off and pick up there. I know they have said there will be a car park where the current Academy is but parents will not use it as its too far away. You only need to visit the Academy at the end of the day to see how chaotic the parking for pick ups is. I also think many staff will park in the Orchard Road car park as it will be closer which will leave limited parking for general car park users. The loss of Applegrove playing field will be very detrimental to their pupils as it is well used on a daily basis. I would also be concerned about bullying with Academy pupil being in such close proximity to the younger children. Lochyhill or possibly ground at Bogton Road would be much better for staff and pupils as it would allow the space for good sports facilities which would also benefit the town, good parking and also improve life for the residents who currently live close to the school as there are often complaints of littering and vandalism with pupils throwing rubbish in their gardens. These other sites could also really enhance learning as they would provide good outdoor space for learning which teenagers definitely need. Anonymous 9/19/2025 10:50 AM I have been against this from the beginning and can’t believe this is the only option for the new school. Apple grove will be dwarfed by it. The disruption to the local area will be devastating for years to come. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 14 of 71 Page 122
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The same problems will be there. No where for kids to go at breaks. They just wander round the street oblivious to traffic. Drop litter everywhere. Bullying will continue as there’s no supervision at breaks. I can’t see one positive for building it there. Anonymous 9/19/2025 11:21 AM The addition of the 3G sports field will bring a huge improvement to the wider community and bring in income from Forres Mechanics, and other nearby football teams. Anonymous 9/19/2025 11:24 AM Clearly the best 'Value for Money' option. Why would anybody want the Moray Council to buy additional land to build a school upon when land already exists. Off the top of my head I can also think of additional unnecessary alterations to the A96 if the other location was selected as well additional Tax Payers money spent on extra buses for those that may now qualify for if the school moved to the other location. I think Roysvale is the perfect solution, I also think that the busy-bodies moaning about the Common Good need to be honest. They just don't want the school in front of their mansions. Also, as a parent that frequently uses Sanquhar Road to pick up and as part of my weekend walking routes, I have never seen the park being used by more than 1 or 2 people and they are generally dog walkers letting their dogs foul on the park and not pick it up. Anonymous 9/19/2025 11:33 AM The proposal document appears disingenuous and more like a propaganda piece. It is full of opinions that are presented as statements of fact. I do not feel ANY of the benefits mentioned would be exclusive to the school being built on the Applegrove site - physically being near other schools doesn't improve collaboration, I am speaking from experience. The Forbeshill site provides more space for growth, outdoor learning etc and is very well connected thanks to existing infrastructure for the Enterprise park. An 8min cycle or 25 min walk should be applauded not a problem. As a resident near Applegrove I find it laughable that one of the benefits sited is safer routes to schools etc, there is already huge congestion, streets that are too narrow to accommodate parking and pick ups; at times even getting along Sanquhar Road (which is wide) is extremely problematic due to the sheer volume of traffic and parents parking for pickup. The same is true of Burdsyard Road at the Leisure Centre. Flooding - this summers drought has highlighted how damp Roysvale is - it's the only green grass left. The only bit of the report I thought was relevant was 7.1 - New Build on an Alternative site where it is clear that a few hurdles, that are not insurmountable, are the only reason this site hasn't been picked i.e. this was thought to be the easier option without any genuine concern for the residents of Forres and future generations. Once this Green space has gone we don't get Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 15 of 71 Page 123
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it back and the character of the town will be irreparably damaged. Anonymous 9/19/2025 11:34 AM It's a central location which is should be so all local kids can get to school by walking or on their bikes. No point relocating it and then half the children that walk to school will need to get buses or lifts from parents. We need to keep out kids as active as possible. Anonymous 9/19/2025 11:37 AM I do think that something will have to be done on Sanquhar road. It is extremely busy when Applegrove finishes. Parents currently pay no attention to the parking zones and drive like F1 drivers. Please either widen the road or create a new pick up point for Primary School parents. Someone is going to be hurt. Anonymous 9/19/2025 11:38 AM Great idea. Just a pity my kids won't be able to enjoy it. Anonymous 9/19/2025 11:40 AM Why don't you incorporate the leisure centre in the build too? Speyside have a great facility, can we not kill two birds with one stone here? Anonymous 9/19/2025 11:42 AM Our children have waited long enough for a decent facility to aid in their learning and education. Stop with all the consultations/meetings (which is just wasting money!) and get the facility built for a brighter future for our children! Anonymous 9/19/2025 11:43 AM I need the school to be as close as possible. If it was in the other location I would need to take my kids to school meaning I would be late for work or have to pay for taxi's which I can't afford. Anonymous 9/19/2025 11:51 AM Given all the housing development within Forres both completed and planned, why aren't Springfield being made to assist financially in this build. Surely this should be a condition of the planning consent which springfield has received plenty of. Anonymous 9/19/2025 11:55 AM No Anonymous 9/19/2025 12:50 PM That areas roads are already too busy and difficult to navigate due to parking allowed on both sides of all roads leading to existing site. The area to the left of Applegrove as you look at the front of it, is used by Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 16 of 71 Page 124
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the community in the summer for BBQs and children’s and the communities entertainment, this would not now be possible. Lots of people use the playing field to walk, exercise, walk their dogs etc, they would loose their well being space. With all the new houses being developed in Forres a site further out of the centre of Forres would be better to allow for the increased traffic this will cause in the future. It’s already a nightmare navigating to the new traffic lights in the morning and afternoons when the schools finish, with all roads to the lights backed up. Relocate the school elsewhere and keep the traffic flowing and therefore making the roads safer. Anonymous 9/19/2025 12:59 PM Forres enterprise park, plenty of room, traffic free area, safe cycle and walking routes from forres, new paths/ cycling routes could be developed from forres, safe pick up drop off points for parents and schools transport built in to school area unlike the present situation of teaching staff parking on the road, in stead of the staff car park, causing problematic traffic flow and hinder both school buses and parents at start and finishing of the school day and to local residents. Anonymous 9/19/2025 01:28 PM I don’t believe the site it adequate space for a community campus style Academy to absorb all of the facilities, clubs and activities for parents/ young children and also older generations that the community centre currently does, including the wonderful cafe space that is used by so many of us as part of these activities and there is no suitable alternative green space being developed to replace the common good land- what will Moray Council be contributing back to the people of Forres and surrounding areas who use this regularly for leisure? Young and older people alike, depend on this space for their health and wellbeing. Anonymous 9/19/2025 01:58 PM I very much welcome the proposal to build a new Forres Academy however the proposed site is wholly unacceptable for a number of reasons. Mainly, the proposed plans clearly show that the site is far too small to accommodate all the needs of our young people and the proposed building is not in keeping with the surrounding low rise area. There is no option for expansion which will inevitable be the case at some point. It is unbelievable that the council consider the loss of green space for the young people of Applegrove to be acceptable with no feasible alternative proposed. Technical aspects such as Transport Assessments, Flood Risk Analysis, Drainage Impact Assessments and adhering to NPF4 will be reviewed at Planning stage but these have clearly not yet been fully resolved or costed. It is a desperately depressing missed opportunity for the young people of Forres. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 17 of 71 Page 125
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Anonymous 9/19/2025 02:37 PM For numerous reasons: 3 years of trying to be schooled on a building site. Loss of Applegrove playing fields Busy roads in the middle of houses No room for growth Fitting the school to the space rather than having better space to build what is actually needed Anonymous 9/19/2025 02:39 PM Needs to be in a central area Anonymous 9/19/2025 02:43 PM Wrong site, boggy ground poor yraffic management, not to mention the impact on the poor veterans houses and loss of green space. the 2nd option at the otherwise of forbeshill is way more sensible and easier to expand if necessary. However since moray council never listens to the actual community and does whatever the hell you want ignoring common sense, I'm just waiting for this to be completely ignored as usual Anonymous 9/19/2025 02:58 PM Please reconsider before it's to late and the common green space is lost.. There has to be an alternative that would be less disruptive for the community at large. Anonymous 9/19/2025 03:04 PM The proposed site will be too congested. More space and edge of town proposed sites. Children can walk. Anonymous 9/19/2025 03:09 PM The use of an open green space so close to a primary school, that is in constant use for extracurricular activities and leisure is an outrageous abuse of Moray Council management of common good land. Anonymous 9/19/2025 03:41 PM It’s being built in the wrong place, get a load of portakabin in then demolish the part of the school that has RAAC. Then rebuild a new school! Anonymous 9/19/2025 04:51 PM The sooner the better for our kids. Anonymous 9/19/2025 05:42 PM The land suffers from floods and is not suitable to build on according to your own engineers. We will also be losing playing fields for the children. There is more suitable land past the Springfield houses on the Granton Road. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 18 of 71 Page 126
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Anonymous 9/19/2025 05:47 PM Traffic is already bad around Sanquhar Road/Orchard Road this just seems like it is going to cause more chaos and congestion for home owners in the area and just anyone living in Forres. Putting the Academy in this site doesnt give any room for expansion in years to come. Just seems like a money saving activity instead of doing what is bed for the people of Forres. Anonymous 9/19/2025 05:49 PM It needs to be somewhere that the kids can leave the building and use the shops at lunchtime which is good for the towns business, makes no sense to have it miles out of town Anonymous 9/19/2025 07:52 PM It is a very poor choice of location for both applegrove students and the forres academy staff and students. The choice of this location will have far reaching negative consequences for the town. Roysvale is the wrong place, and here’s why.” First, Applegrove Primary’s children. Their playground is being sacrificed. This is where hundreds of younger pupils play, learn to share, and burn off their energy. Taking it away tells them their childhood matters less than fitting in a project that simply doesn’t belong here. Second, no room to grow. Forres is expanding — but Roysvale offers no meaningful space for future development. In just a few years, this site will be bursting at the seams. Why should we invest millions in a school that is already too small for tomorrow? Third, community facilities. Folding them into the academy is not progress. True community spaces are open, accessible, and welcoming. Put them behind school gates, and suddenly they are no longer for everyone — they are controlled, limited, restricted. That is not how you strengthen a town. Fourth, drainage and flooding. Roysvale is a natural soakaway. Pave it over and you create a hard, impermeable surface that pushes water elsewhere. Where does it go? Onto neighbouring homes. Onto Applegrove. Into already overstretched drains. The risk of flooding is not hypothetical — it is inevitable. Fifth, traffic and congestion. This is a central residential area. It already struggles with cars at drop-off and pick-up times. Now add hundreds of academy pupils, staff, deliveries, and buses — with a car park sited absurdly far from the school itself. The knock-on will be daily chaos, gridlock, air pollution, and, most worrying of all, real safety risks for children walking and cycling. And finally, the destruction of Roysvale for bus parking. Not for classrooms, not for learning, not for sport — but for tarmac and idle vehicles. That is not just poor planning. It is indefensible. When you add this together, the case is overwhelming: Applegrove pupils lose their playground. The school has no room to expand. Community facilities are weakened, not strengthened. Flooding and drainage risks are ignored. Congestion and safety problems are made worse. And Roysvale is sacrificed for car and bus parking. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 19 of 71 Page 127
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Anonymous 9/19/2025 08:20 PM The disruption to an already problematical traffic congestion along Orchard Road. The ambulance service uses this route to reach Elgin and is at present based at The Fire Station in Forres. The lights at the junction of Orchard Road onto St Catherine’s Rd often results in long tailbacks. The distress caused to the Veterans who live in the homes right by the proposed building works will be far reaching. Thereafter the noise will continue due to a large very busy school and parents dropping off children will continue. I assure you there will be many who drop off their children in Orchard Road. Anonymous 9/19/2025 08:25 PM This site allows for active travel to and from school and easy access to after school activities. It also ensures that pupils can access the high street which would otherwise suffer. I think that Applegrove should be gifted the grassy area on the other side of the primary school opposite the British legion. I also think some of the old academy site should be gifted back as common good land and planted with a community garden which both schools can access for lessons. Anonymous 9/19/2025 08:34 PM The wrong place! Too small and not allowing for expansion in the future when population increases. Roads will become too congested. The taking away of green space for the primary pupils is unfair. Anonymous 9/19/2025 08:39 PM I feel that it would cause far too much disruption when building the school. You are removing common-good land from the community that is used daily by different community groups, therefore causing them to find new places to use. People have bought houses in the area as it is. They have not bought them with the knowledge that their view/area is going to change drastically and have a lot of disruption in the process. Looking at the Nairn academy build, they have taken up a HUGE space to build and there just isn’t the space on the Roysvale area for the level of disruption. You’re removing play/sporting space for the primary school in a day and age where children don’t move enough and it will affect their well-being further. The grounds issue for flooding on Roysvale is concerning and in Moray Council style, it highly likely that this would not be dealt with well and cause more money to spent in the future. The other site proposed allows for traffic to be moved away from small children and residential area. Both the Elgin schools are on one side of the town and children have to walk a distance to attend the schools. This is something that can be brought forward to the Forres ASG. Or alternatively, services buses can be diverted towards the school to aid with school attendance as it already is with those who attend from Alves. I believe having the school centrally, taking land from Applegrove is a rediculous idea and creates a limited space where expansion will be difficult. The reality is Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 20 of 71 Page 128
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that the community is likely to grow and the school needs to have space to expand. On the alternative site, there will be the space to do so. Anonymous 9/19/2025 09:12 PM Outrageous to take away a large school playing field, community field and too close to war veterans cottages. Anonymous 9/19/2025 09:17 PM I dont want it to be built outside Forres limits as proposed by others as I have a child who has just started secondary and I dont want him walking the length of forres to get there. Anonymous 9/19/2025 09:32 PM The loss of green space is unforgivable. Anonymous 9/19/2025 09:34 PM Will be a great loss of park/green space Disruption to residential areas when building Traffic issues / access in town, small streets for the volume of traffic Anonymous 9/19/2025 09:40 PM I do not approve of the use of a greenfield/ playground field for the new building. The students of applegrove should not loose that site. The proposed site is already far too close to current house especially those in housing got the vulnerable. The site is already congested taking in to account of those using parking got the leisure facilities and those resident in royalsvale and orchard road. Anonymous 9/19/2025 09:46 PM Why are you having this consultation? There has already been a sham consultations where the views of the community were dismissed. All the evidence and views have already been gathered. Please look on FB Forres New Academy Forum and read articles in the Forres Gazette also. There has been a 600 strong petition against the site already lodged. It is patently obvious that this is completely the wrong site for all the reasons already given. Why go through the motions of another sham consultation? Anonymous 9/19/2025 09:52 PM It makes absolutely no sense to have it the chosen location due to all the upset to the local people who in that area are mainly elderly. You have the war veterans these are people who have been who have had such challenges already being in the services. Orchard road is terrible at the best of times with the congestion this will add to it which is already an absolute nightmare. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 21 of 71 Page 129
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Anonymous 9/19/2025 10:23 PM Should be built on original site in sections Anonymous 9/19/2025 10:53 PM It the most unethical place to build the new school. Traffic is an issue now and will be a lot worse during and after the build. It’s flooded every year. The local pensioners suffer with abuse as it is this again will make it worse . It’s common land that belongs to the people of forres . It should not be built there Anonymous 9/19/2025 11:52 PM Field belongs to applegrove and surrounding homes and kids Anonymous 9/20/2025 12:13 AM Forbeshill is a far better site with room for future expansion and would mean NO disruption to the children of Applegrove, in fact the residents in the area of the current academy site would see less impact from the Academy pupils. Why are the council pushing ahead for the site that would have the most impact on the community when there are better options available? Anonymous 9/20/2025 12:25 AM Flooding! This will increase flooding in the near by properties already prone to flooding due to the already broken & over used sewer system. Anonymous 9/20/2025 02:39 AM No room for growth in the future. Anonymous 9/20/2025 03:12 AM I would prefer the new school be built on the existing site as much as possible, therefore, preserving as much of the green spaces as possible. The school being within the town, to me, makes the most sense for pupils, staff and the community. Anonymous 9/20/2025 03:17 AM Hope this happens! Anonymous 9/20/2025 04:19 AM Silly idea for the location of the school I haven’t heard a single good comment on it as of yet! Anonymous 9/20/2025 06:37 AM It's a very short sited approach to the school relocation, it doesn't leave any room to extend the school in future years when, without a doubt, it will be at capacity within 5 years. What will happen then? Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 22 of 71 Page 130
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Anonymous 9/20/2025 06:50 AM Forres is desperate for some winter sports facilities like an astro pitch. Wherever is goes please build one. ( a bike pump track would be nice too) :) Anonymous 9/20/2025 07:38 AM The location is ideal for all pupils living in Forres. As it is very close to the existing site there will be only minimal disruption/change. The young people of the Forres deserve a new, high quality learning environment. I am deeply concerned that delays in this project due to challenges and objections by the few will lead to a loss of funding - disadvantaging the WHOLE community. Anonymous 9/20/2025 07:50 AM not a good site, but the best option Anonymous 9/20/2025 07:54 AM There is countless information that suggest you are aware of the cost this will run in the future of the building, as well as the loss of green space. And using a space with already drainage issues. This is putting pressure on an already struggling school, which it looks as though you haven't considered in this decision. You are clearly doing this to 'save money' even though you had been allocated money to develop a new school site. And it's at the cost of an already struggling school (pupils and staff), especially due to cuts to ASN. Anonymous 9/20/2025 07:59 AM Applegrove is short-term, ‘quick-fix thinking, not suitable for longer term, no risk. For expansion. Don’t like that precious green space for Applegrove being built on or that more traffic being brought into residential area. Think area outside Gorres near Enterprise Park makes more sense for longer term, Anonymous 9/20/2025 08:09 AM Mainly the thoughts of local people who will have children/grandchildren who will be affected during this process. Noise, traffic in the area and the loss of recreational area for Applegrove school. Anonymous 9/20/2025 08:22 AM Yes I am shocked that the council is not listening to anyone why should apple Grove lose their green space and what about the veterans Anonymous 9/20/2025 08:31 AM Sirs, I'm a parent of pupils from Forres Academy and Apple Grove. Despite the fact, turning Apple Grove field into a building site might effect negatively Apple Grove pupils, I'm a STRONG SUPPORTER Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 23 of 71 Page 131
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of relocating Forres Academy to a site next to Apple Grove. The reason being is pupils (from both schools) are finding location very convenient, transition between primary school and senior school - more comfortable. We have to take into consideration anxiety most pupils develop while transition from primary to secondary and having secondary so close to its main primary feeder will significantly improve any issues related to transition itself. Other factor Moray Council should seriously consider is Forres Academy attendance issues (mainly skipping the lessons). If Forres Academy site will be relocated somewhere further (less central) than current proposed location, the pupils' attendance will significantly decrease (!). Therefore Forres Academy staff and Moray Council will have to combine the effort to tackle attendance issues. Meaning: constant disruption to education process, exhausting staff etc. Please, carefully consider all the above. Despite upsetting the community, we must consider the best outcome for our young generation. Forres Academy has so many issues. Let's not add anything extra. Please, allow New Forres Academy thrive in a beautiful and convenient for most pupils location near Apple Grove site. Thank you for taking time reading my comments. Anonymous 9/20/2025 08:38 AM Ideal central location as the existing academy has proved Anonymous 9/20/2025 08:44 AM Close to current academy so I think that central location is good for high street businesses at lunchtime and easy to access from all parts of town. Anonymous 9/20/2025 08:49 AM New to the town having moved from a rural village near Aberfeldy and I’m very impressed by the new plans for a school and all the facilities available to the townsfolk - Forres folk are very lucky to live here. Even with a new school there is still beautiful Grant park on the doorstep as well as Sanquhar Pond so I don’t think the loss of ‘green space’ is inportant compared to the benefits and need for a new school. Anonymous 9/20/2025 08:58 AM It's the only place to build it then knock down old one and build sport fields there Anonymous 9/20/2025 09:00 AM Really need to progress the proposals asap and get it built and ready for use as soon as possible, and not let the campaign by the minority against delay it further. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 24 of 71 Page 132
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Anonymous 9/20/2025 09:45 AM Pupils need a new modern school Anonymous 9/20/2025 09:45 AM This is the best location for existing staff and pupils. Anonymous 9/20/2025 09:45 AM Only location that makes sense for the majority of the population. Anonymous 9/20/2025 09:20 AM Looking forward to my grandchildren being able to attend what looks to be an amazing new academy. Anonymous 9/20/2025 09:29 AM It’s taking away the land belonging to Applegrove Primary school… children of that age need plenty of space to exercise to keep their minds engaged and to run off energy at school. Anonymous 9/20/2025 09:47 AM It’s too small fir future proofing in terms of growth. It’s liable for flooding. It’s taking away vital green space for physical and mental health. It is stealing a kids playground. Yes a new school is needed, but this is the wrong location. Forres is a nice looking town and you will start turning all this into a concrete carbuncle. Your process has not been transparent. You are single minded regardless of what people say. Anonymous 9/20/2025 09:54 AM The infrastructure of this area will not cope with additional traffic . The fact that the water level in this area is already high , the addition on buildings/concrete will increase the risk of flooding . Orchard Road already floods in a regular basis . The current drainage on the road can not cope. The common ground at Roysvale has a continual flooded area in the winter months . The removal of apple groves playground is unbelievable . As well as removal of some of the common land which is regularly used by the community . The aesthetic impact to the area will be a an issue . The one storey pensioner homes next to the proposed build will be deprived of natural light . A 3 story building will look out of place . A build here limits the possibility of further expansion. The consultation with local residents has been exceptionally poor, it is only because I am on Facebook I have found out about this proposal ! Anonymous 9/20/2025 10:05 AM We all agree that the preferred option would be to have the new school built in the town however this should have been considered before they granted planning permission to all the new build houses at Manachie. The proposed site is too small for the new academy Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 25 of 71 Page 133
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plus taking away the primary school playing field is a terrible proposal both for the well being of the primary school children and for all the residents of Forres that enjoy their few remaining green spaces. Anonymous 9/20/2025 10:33 AM I think it’s really important the new academy stays central to the town the ability for all to use the facilities outside of school time aswell. I don’t however think it’s a good idea to move our community center to the school complex. That will be a huge loss to the town and work in terms of all the facilities it provides. It’s really important that there are safety measures are put in place for tge children that go to applegrove, cycle paths restricted cars and double yellow lines arround the school. The traffic is already a problem arround the school as people use that road as a trough road. The primary children need to be kept safe. Anonymous 9/20/2025 10:41 AM The site at lochyhill will allow for further expansion as the town continues to grow. All weather sports pitches for community use as well as school will be easier to accommodate than the proposed site. Anonymous 9/20/2025 11:08 AM The proposed site is on a flood plane. There is a funeral home across the road. There is multiple veterans living next to the site. There’s a multitude of reasons it should not go there. Anonymous 9/20/2025 11:24 AM As a teacher in Forres Academy for over 36 years I am of the belief that the Academy would be better built at Lockyhill.The proposed site at Apple grove would if used create a bottle neck in the town destroying green space which is used by many.It is also an area pron to flooding .The loss of common good land which could never be returned is unacceptable .Common good land could have so many benefits to the community as evidenced by other Scottish towns. Anonymous 9/20/2025 11:42 AM It's a second rate solution, lacking vision. If MC are really looking 10 - 30 years ahead they must also be considering the ageing and expensive primary school estate. A new Forres super primary school to amalgamate the town and rural primary schools is on the horizon. Save the Rovsvale / Applegrove site for a new super primary school. It would be ideal. Build the new academy east of Forres. This solution is absolutely cheapest over the long term and has proper long term vision. It also allows MC to change their stance without losing face. Anonymous 9/20/2025 11:43 AM Parking is going to be terrible there's no way people are going to park at the proposed car park then walk to the school they will flood the Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 26 of 71 Page 134
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car parks around the dentist and that will make people very angry Anonymous 9/20/2025 11:43 AM Please get on and start building before this becomes the next A9/A96 dual carriageway and never happens Anonymous 9/20/2025 11:51 AM The relocation must be in the centre of Forres , this suits those children travelling from Forbeshill area & up beside Grantown Road. Good location for the existing swimming pool & will be supporting the local shops at lunchtime. Anonymous 9/20/2025 11:52 AM I can only imagine this making the infrastructure of Forres worse. Classes will also be disrupted with construction work. Anonymous 9/20/2025 11:56 AM Less upheaval for the children, than going outwith the town. Anonymous 9/20/2025 12:15 PM It’s unfair for Applegrove to loose their playground and will have a building site next to them! The traffic is already horrendous in this area Anonymous 9/20/2025 12:23 PM Build at other end of town at business park Anonymous 9/20/2025 01:03 PM Think it’s absolutely ridiculous that Applegrove is still being considered, the thought of taking away used green space in the town is absurd Anonymous 9/20/2025 01:10 PM Kids now have a free bus pass so of it were to be built outwith the 2 miles they could use there young scot card to get to school. Anonymous 9/20/2025 01:25 PM My 9 year old who is p4 at applegrove is concerned about their playing field but also the fire evacuation procedures as they currently evacuate on to the field a safe distance away from the building - not really a concern a 9 year old should have Anonymous 9/20/2025 01:38 PM Pupils need green space to play and participate in physical education. The parking at Applegrove is a huge problem st present and building the Academy there is going to exacerbate this situation. Happen. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 27 of 71 Page 135
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Anonymous 9/20/2025 01:44 PM I think a site at the Grantown Road side of town should be sought as that is where the majority of the population is. The roads leading to the centre of town cannot cope with the amount of traffic there is at peak times. Anonymous 9/20/2025 01:53 PM Firstly the proposed building too large for the surrounding area & disturbance to surrounding houses. You are removing the play area of Applegrove school. Children need to exercise freely. I remember we used ALL the present area of Applegrove fields, with football field at top, where we actually did sports. The whole area was used before start of school, at break & dinner time to play in. We live in far to sheltered a world now. The proposed car park is too far away from school & I'm sure teachers are going to start blocking up roads & Forres's other FREE car parks nearer by. What about future expansion of Primary Schools in Forres ? They are filling up & the requirement will be there also for this future need, and the proposed site would fit any future requirement for primary education The continual growth of Forres & surrounding areas population & house building will see Forres itself grow out to Mundole to West & out to Hillhead in the East, which if you look at, is the natural bowl in which Forres shall grow to in future. Over last 50 years we have seen Forres do this with the Califer Road / West Pilmuir showing growth to West & Forbeshill to East. The South has almost filled up with Thornhill & Mannachie / Springfield developments out to Dallas Dhu with other housing in pipeline - which is the natural boundary to South of Forres. To the east as mentioned, the fields either side of the A96 out to the Enterprise park is I believe or will be zoned for housing. (owner waiting to sell he said many years ago to myself) So this is showing the huge expansion of Forres & the building proposed will not cope with this & absolutely no room for expansion at this proposed site in Applegrove primary school playing fields. This in conclusion in my mind requires a larger area where it can expand, which ideally would be the fields to the EAST or the WEST of Forres itself. Look at ELGIN Secondary Schools, where are they ? Towards the outskirts of the City - North & South !! So why not Forres’s future Secondary be put to our outskirts where future development of houses will occur anyway & expansion built into the said plans ? THE MORAY COUNCIL really need future planning, maybe not in 5 / 10 years but 20 or 30 years Anonymous 9/20/2025 02:50 PM This is the wrong location for many reasons and I don't think there are many people in the community that would agree that this is the right place. It would be too much of a disruption to the local area and community. I think the council need to listen to the communities concerns and consider these. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 28 of 71 Page 136
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Anonymous 9/20/2025 02:53 PM Ridiculous decision that will cause untold problems all over the town for years to come. Listen to what the public wants, you're there to represent them not your own interests. Anonymous 9/20/2025 03:42 PM Building on land that is a vital playground for Applegrove school should not be allowed. Moving the school further away from it's dedicated sports fields Plasmon and Sanquhar playing fields will make them harder to utilise. Roysvale park does not belong to the school or Moray council so should not be used as a dedicated playing field. The correct location for the new school would be to build to the rear of current school in the car park, then build a car park once the school is demolished. This would allow to re use the newest parts of Forres Academy which are not impacted by RAAC. Demolishing these would just be stupid. Anonymous 9/20/2025 03:52 PM Location is inappropriate for the veterans, primary school pupils, risk of flooding and congestion. Orchard road is bad enough at the moment with traffic congestion made worse by car garage at the roundabout with too many cars parked on orchard road. At the other end of orchard road the traffic lights are a disaster causing congestion in all directions. With all the additional housing to the west of Forres you haven't provided safe additional road access from the west to A96 to reduce congestion. The town centre sewage and water can't cope as it is. You need to listen to the people of Forres, it's our green space don't take it away. If Forres keeps expanding the new school won't have any where to expand too. Anonymous 9/20/2025 04:09 PM Building on the current Academy site would eliminate any issues you are facing. All the issues you have raised can be overcome on the site. You are not being honest about who owns Applegrove playing fields, this is common good land. You are removing green space. You are removing Applegrove playing fields. Your car park design will significantly impact traffic around the area. You are being dishonest about the site area, Roysvale Park is not part of the school grounds. You will overshadow and create privacy issues around the area. The building is not in keeping with the area. Anonymous 9/20/2025 04:35 PM Best site as central for all catchment areas. Playing fields and swimming pool easily accessible. Anonymous 9/20/2025 04:37 PM I’m against it because: We would lose valuable green space. The children of Applegrove lose their playing fields - outrageous! The area gets flooded every winter. The building is far too tall for the landscape. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 29 of 71 Page 137
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The school would have no chance of expanding. The land is well used already and is common good land. Anonymous 9/20/2025 05:08 PM There are so many reasons why this is not the right site. 1. Lack of space 2. Doesn’t allow for future expansion 3. Takes away a green space from the town 4. Will contribute to significant congestion 5. The area is prone to flooding 6. Would significantly impact on surrounding houses 7. The culture of the school may currently be adversely affected by being located so centrally as kids spill out into the town and disperse instead of staying in school and taking part in school community activities. Schools on larger sites sometimes develop strong internal communities because so much of daily life happens within the grounds. 8. An out of town location would encourage town based children to get more exercise especially if cycle and walking paths put in. 9. More space for outdoor/recreational activities for the kids and perhaps also the community should be considered. 10. Building so close to the existing site will be hugely disruptive for the current pupils, the older of whom won’t benefit from the final result. Is this really fair? How will you ensure the current 3/4/5yrs have a quality school experience during such a disruptive project? Anonymous 9/20/2025 05:18 PM Move it now Anonymous 9/20/2025 05:22 PM Forbeshill would work better for all students coming from Findhorn, Kinloss and Alves. You're also taking away from Applegrove and not actually providing anything them with any replacement Anonymous 9/20/2025 05:23 PM Adding congestion to the area and taking away valuable green space Anonymous 9/20/2025 06:05 PM Why bother you will take no notice of the people anyway, you had made up your minds two years ago, you all should be ashamed of yourselves. Anonymous 9/20/2025 06:27 PM It’s a flood area. The construction traffic will be horrendous. The land is not big enough to build the size of school which is required. Taking playing fields of appllegrove primary is not the way forward Anonymous 9/20/2025 06:28 PM Nice school plan, wrong location Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 30 of 71 Page 138
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Anonymous 9/20/2025 06:29 PM The town will be too congested moving to apple grove site..there will be no room for expansion.the sports facilities in Forres are poor, we need all weather pitches for football etc. Forres loses out to Elgin for any local improvements or upgrades, our children need to be treated equally to Elgin and offered the same facilities not the cheapest easiest option. Anonymous 9/20/2025 07:02 PM The proposed site is entirely unrealistic for the surrounding residents and roads. With Forres expanding it makes far more sense to place the academy in a spot that can grow with the increased demand, and not become unfit for purpose within a couple of years. Time for some realistic future proofing for our young people and the residents of Forres. Anonymous 9/20/2025 07:12 PM It's completely the wrong place for the Academy. Too near houses. Kids have already in the past upset locals with their behavior with the school closer it's going to upset them a lot more even force some poor people to move from their homes. The roads are not suitable at the moment for the school traffic it's going to be worse if the school moves closer to Applegrove. What happens when there is a big funeral at Tom Rosses. I know they have a car park but there are times when the funerals are large and parking on orchard road will be reduced due to new school. What about flooding. The park can be soggy when we have a lot of rain is the school going to suffer too? Also there have been problems between Academy kids and Applegrove kids. How will this be prevented when the schools are much closer. Having the Academy so near to smaller kids may make them frightened of bigger kids behavior. What about the play ground and playing field. Applegrove kids are the ones that are paying the price for their playing field. I know there is a shared playing field planned but I don't think primary kids want to play with Academy kids especially when they want to play football. Changing rooms in the new Academy are ridiculous the kids have to walk through an area near a class room and is not near the pe hall. Bad planning. I don't disagree with a new school but it's definitely going in the wrong place. Anonymous 9/20/2025 07:23 PM The site is too small a wont allow for future expansion. Will impact negatively on Applegrove primary and overlook the Veterans cottages. Not to mention the noise and disruption to the residents. Anonymous 9/20/2025 07:28 PM Its a shame on Applegrove primary having basically no play space and having to take away the whole playing field for the school. Since I was a pupil 9 years ago the school was falling apart, leaks everywhere so something should of been done and a new space Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 31 of 71 Page 139
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considered way before now. Anonymous 9/20/2025 08:23 PM Access to outdoor learning for secondary pupils is time dependent as you have only a 50 minute slot of time to be able to carry out activities. Replacing the existing accessible outdoor learning space with an ecological garden, amphitheatre and outdoor classroom space which is much smaller than the space now will not enhance outdoor learning as it will not be large enough. There will not be enough time to access the green spaces currently used as it would take too long to get there and back. The size of the outdoor space for potential teaching would be limited to one or two classes at a time where as currently the green areas can accommodate many more pupils outside. This also stands for accessing the 3G pitch for pupils. The loss of green space for applegrove pupils is detrimental and does not align with government policy of the importance of green space to play and learn. Access to the playing fields in the new proposal will now be between two schools, Forres Academy and Applegrove Primary. This will potentially cause a conflict for access complicating and already difficult timetabling issue for both schools. The loss of common good land to the community during the school day is not acceptable. Roysvale park is regularly used by members of the public during the school day and its incorporation into the proposed plan will negatively impact those people and the surrounding community. The projected school role is not large enough. The future of the Cromarty Freeports is predicting 10000 jobs in the highlands and surrounding area. The new school needs to taken account of these figures. At present the congestion caused at drop off and pick up times for school is immense. The proposed plan does not take into account the negative impact this has on the surrounding community at these times. If the proposal does not take this into account then this is not providing safe routes to schools as is required by legislation. The site is overlooking housing and will have a detrimental impact on those houses as it is a large build. It will reduce privacy and increase noise for these residents some of whom are vulnerable. Forres desperately needs a high quality secondary school in the right place. This site is not the right place for the town. Anonymous 9/20/2025 08:44 PM It is hard for those on support of the apple grove site to voice their opinions due to the small (but loud) counter-supporters who bully and suppress supporters on social media platforms and in public forums that are not anonymous. Anonymous 9/20/2025 09:17 PM It’s mind boggling to think that the negative effects of this decision to the local area and children are being so ill considered by an elected body. It’s even more frightening that a multitude of building, legal and Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 32 of 71 Page 140
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educational professionals have presented such a strong case against the proposed build but the elected officials (with no professional construction experience) continue to plough forward through the medium of a brash, rude and bullying representative. I worry that no one will be accountable for this decision if it goes wrong with likely scope and cost creep. What a bizarre decision. Shame on you for the manner in which you have twisted data and logic. Anonymous 9/20/2025 09:48 PM No future proofing for growth. Shortsighted. Loss of green area. Playground. Huge disruption for residents. Flooding . Traffic.... Anonymous 9/21/2025 01:59 AM Unsuitable for further expansion in the future, with a continuing growing population it is inevitable. Reducing outdoor space for play, education and health and well being for Applegrove primary school age is going back on what local, national and global strategies goals are. Increase in air pollution due to increase traffic around primary school and within a more confined area increases short and long term health risks, furthermore not improving or hitting the goals of many strategies these are a couple of initial issues i see. There are far more which splinter off, far more negatives to the positives to this site proposal. Anonymous 9/21/2025 08:10 AM Why can the new Academy not be built on the existing site? Children were at home for months during covid, they have been bussed out due to RAAC. Surely if a proper plan was in place and we thought outside the box a little bit, we could come up with a solution that would allow for the demolition of the existing building and construction of the new academy on the existing site? There has to be a more creative way around this. The bottom line is these children desperately need a new school, and at this rate we are still years away from seeing any benefit of it. We need a solution that would allow us to just get on with it and give the children and staff the new school that they desperately need. Anonymous 9/21/2025 08:42 AM It is the wrong decision to build the school were they are planning, and has not been fully thought through. Anonymous 9/21/2025 09:45 AM Schools should have plenty of space for students to be outdoors. Outdoor learning, being active, having fun outside is becoming lost in these generations of kids and it is contributing to poor mental health. Choose a location with space to explore. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 33 of 71 Page 141
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Anonymous 9/21/2025 12:36 PM Don’t bow to those who protest to much just because it inconvenient that the new school is getting built near there big houses Anonymous 9/21/2025 03:31 PM Loss of green space and Applegroves playing field Traffic congestion, especially while it’s being built Lack of consideration for future expansion Disruption to local area and Applegrove school Anonymous 9/21/2025 03:55 PM The other site choice just outside of Forres towards the enterprise estate is the better option for now & the future. Anonymous 9/21/2025 04:05 PM Location unsuitable Anonymous 9/21/2025 04:05 PM It is bad enough as it is. I live near the school the burn and roads full of litter, kids smoking marihuana among trees, run across the street without looking. Putting Primary kids together with Academy kids us not a good idea as they will only be exposed to bad and illegal behaviour by some of the older ones. The building process will cause stress to all residents especially the veterans who not only live in the cottages. I work with teenagers and would not use a library etc that is in a school when I am off I am done. Destroying the park in the process and building a school in an area that is prone to flooding the past my comprehension Anonymous 9/21/2025 05:08 PM The current building is clearly life expired. I hope this proceeds reasonably soon. The move in location is small. The school is to remain in an accessible central location which is good. Anonymous 9/21/2025 06:46 PM Get it built ASAP so the children have a modern school Anonymous 9/21/2025 09:42 PM A consultation took. Place. The answer was in favour of that Applegrove site. I am not really sure why there's the possibility of another vote. I just want to see some progress so our children can benefit from the new school. Anonymous 9/21/2025 11:09 PM Traffic will be total chaos with all buses having to go through the lights at the fire station it will mean a 30min bus trip for some pupils and also clog up the town. You will also lose important green space within the town. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 34 of 71 Page 142
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Anonymous 9/22/2025 06:09 AM The absolute carnage that will happen during the build fills me with dread. Not only that, the abuse that I get regularly from the teens at the school is unnecessary and this is an opportunity to get them away from my home. Anonymous 9/22/2025 09:12 AM The area is too small with many compromises. Every member of staff I've spoken to apart from ASN, is unhappy and with good reason. Many staff have to share resources or rooms, have a lack of storage, not providing natural light, down grading equipment because lack of space and the car park is inconveniently far, it will especially be a problem in bad weather/winter. Anonymous 9/22/2025 09:35 AM no Anonymous 9/22/2025 09:41 AM I am increasingly frustrated at the refusal of Moray Council to consider the Lochyhill site. I have responded to every public survey going related to the new school, raising the same issues which don’t appear to have been addressed, and watched as the Council in their blinkered state ride roughshod over every objection raised. Moray Councillors should hang their heads in shame at even contemplating building over such a vital green space for Applegrove, and for snatching Common Good Land. Anonymous 9/22/2025 10:18 AM Aside from the completion date so long as all the relevant safety folks (SSERC, HSE, technicians, janitors etc etc) are consulted and properly listened to I see no issues here. Please ensure that while higher ups obviously have to be included in the process, they ultimately aren't the ones working in the high risk areas, or even in the classrooms a lot of the time. In terms of the completion date, whilst it was a noble idea at the beginning, quite a lot of time has passed since then with no progress on building the building itself. Now here we are at the end of 2025 with a completion date of 2028 and I thoroughly believe that if they were to achieve near impossible feat that it would be an irresponsibly rushed job leading to problems down the line. Please reconsider the completion date as I know of no members of staff or the public who believe this to be achievable without severe issues. Anonymous 9/22/2025 11:24 AM The field regularly floods so extra funding will be needed to stop this - not convinced this is cheaper that buying the other site. Loss of the field for sports day (both primary and secondary), one less classroom available for PE - school has shrunk enough due to RAAC Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 35 of 71 Page 143
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Anonymous 9/22/2025 01:24 PM It’s a stupid place to put it. The site is not big enough, it ruins the area and will make the traffic round there even worse. Reeks of short termism - slightly cheaper option but no room for expansion of academy or primary. Put it out at Lochyhill - still easily walkable for all secondary pupils in Forres, and plenty space for bus parking for those coming for further away. Anonymous 9/22/2025 01:36 PM Yes I use an electric wheelchair and this is the most accessible site for me to reach my child. To attend parents evening etc. My child suffers from fatigue and I don’t drive so can’t drive her to school, this is the most accessible site for my children walking to school too. I fully support this location out of the proposed locations for the new Forres academy. Anonymous 9/22/2025 01:48 PM DO NOT TAKE AWAY THE APPLEGROVE SCHOOL PLAYING FIELD AWAY FROM THE APPLEGROVE CHILDREN!!!! Please build this somewhere differently like the enterprise park. There are around 280 kids at Applegrove and I think it is SO WRONG to take away their outdoor playing space!! Anonymous 9/22/2025 01:50 PM With moray currently having higher than the national average of children unable to attend school, most due to sensory overwhelm and the stress of large school environment, the new school should put wellbeing, inclusion and access at the heart of its design objectives. Small lasses, access to nature and a flexible approach to learning environments is paramount Anonymous 9/22/2025 01:51 PM Why relocate to a site that has limited scope for expansion and would take away outdoor space from the children at Applegrove? As usual, the so called “professionals” in charge fail to use common sense and foresight. The executives at the council should be thoroughly ashamed of their blatant incompetency and lack of consideration for all of those who will be directly, negatively impacted by using the Applegrove site for the new school. Anonymous 9/22/2025 01:53 PM It is important that Applegrove pupils have access to their school playing field. I do not support this location. Anonymous 9/22/2025 01:53 PM The site at Lochyhill should be used. Room for growth. It’s inevitable that housing will expand that side of the town so a school built there prior to established housing makes sense. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 36 of 71 Page 144
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Anonymous 9/22/2025 01:54 PM Nobody wants the school there. Listen to the local population. Anonymous 9/22/2025 02:23 PM Why not compulsory purchase those veteran and council houses so the new academy has more space Anonymous 9/22/2025 02:39 PM The site looks too squashed. Anonymous 9/22/2025 02:55 PM The site is too small to be future proof. With the increase in population in the area and the subsequent increase in housing it will soon outgrow the site. A larger site either beyond the current academy or the out of town site at Lochyhill give more scope for making this a long-term solution and also give the opportunity for the school to be an exemplar in terms of a campus with a large range of facilities, connections with the neighbouring enterprise park etc. The downsides of costs etc seem to be fewer if we are genuinely thinking long term. Anonymous 9/22/2025 03:49 PM I do not feel that this relocation is the right one due to a number of factors but mainly down to the fact that there is no real room for any type of expansion to the school should it need it in the future. With the way Forres itself is growing then this has to be something that is considered!! Not only that the impact that this location will have to others is huge!! Anonymous 9/22/2025 03:59 PM Taking away the green area from apple grove primary. Also noise pollution and general pollution Anonymous 9/22/2025 04:04 PM Worry about traffic to the area, safety of young people Anonymous 9/22/2025 06:49 PM I worry about the negative impact on the community and young people of apple grove. I struggle to understand why it’s not being built in the car park? Anonymous 9/22/2025 06:49 PM I won’t have a play field Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 37 of 71 Page 145
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Anonymous 9/22/2025 06:49 PM There doesn’t seem to be any good place in Forres and ideas seem very short term! Anonymous 9/22/2025 04:12 PM The proposed development, with the information provided in this survey does not give any information on the impact to Applegrove Primary. The presentation and/or could benefit with more information on the interface between the primary and secondary school. Predominately it looks like the primary school is losing the access it had to outdoor playing fields. It looks to me that the old school location will be transformed into another playing field. It would be good to have indication that the new football field adjacent to the new sec school location will be a shared space between the primary and secondary school. Therefore it would be good to see the safe walking paths from the primary to their designated external amenity space. In addition, there is no information on traffic management. Previously the traffic went to an almost dead end area so the flow worked. Now its unclear how this will change with the proposed plan. Anonymous 9/22/2025 04:31 PM The new school simply must be embedded within the town. Opponents are cunning NIMBYs!7 Anonymous 9/22/2025 05:45 PM Forres is congested. Why get rid of beautiful green space Anonymous 9/22/2025 06:00 PM The area is not suitable for construction let alone the amount of construction traffic that there will be. Also it floods totally unsuitable place to build it Anonymous 9/22/2025 07:45 PM It will impact negatively on the green spaces within Forres. The other site should have been used. Awful decision by Moray Council Anonymous 9/22/2025 08:51 PM As someone who considers themselves to be fair minded and not "entrenched" in either site initially proposed I would like to make the following comments: The school needs to be somewhere central for all the reasons previously articulated. The current footprint as identified by MC presentations etc seems to be a poor attempt to shoehorn something in as the "easiest option". Plans and provision, especially in terms of sport & recreation look woefully short of what is required and built on a needs analysis which will have been and gone before (if) the school is ever built. It doesn’t feel that this has been future proofed at all and when the inevitable noises around FHCC closure return then this will absolutely come home to roost. Despite any indoctrinated response around sufficient opportunities for Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 38 of 71 Page 146
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feedback and consultation we might hear from MC, the truth is, that local people (those that are not the loud Nae Sayers") have still to "properly engage" here and anyone knowing Forresians will understand that this required a lot of effort! There has been insufficient reason given as to why the current school site (car park and plasmon playing fields and even the Tiagh Farris building (adjacent to Plasom) could not be given serios consideration. Not only would this retain the emotive and existing green space at Roysvale as a focus but might also "encourage" FA to utilise Sanquhar park more often....an under used facility. Or sell it for houses to help fund some proper sports facilities in the town. There seems to be zero creativity of thought on how this could be accomplished, and this might be testament to those cllrs and officers plus external “experts” whom have been working on this project. Our children and the community at large deserve so much more than is being offered here and I would encourage you to look at some of these schools to see what can be done: Kirkwall Grammar School or Dingwall Academy. Anonymous 9/22/2025 10:25 PM no i dont Anonymous 9/22/2025 11:38 PM The loss of land to Applegrove and the planned position of the new building have obviously not been fully thought through. The vote was against this location the first time out, so I doubt anything will change the council's mind unfortunately. Anonymous 9/23/2025 08:33 AM Best location for active travel and community access. Issues with the Orchard Road junction on Grantown Road would be worse if the school was in Lochyhill as more people would be driving pupils to school. We need a school now and the Roysvale site is the best location. Anonymous 9/23/2025 11:13 AM Hurry up and get it built! This building is old and not fit for purpose, the pupils need a school that is going to enhance their learning experiences Anonymous 9/23/2025 11:58 AM The majority of Forresians especially those with knowledge of all the problems faced by the present Academy in a similar situation (traffic problems,lack of proper playing fields,lack of adequate recreational areas, high water table,to name but a few) are appalled that the same dire mistake is being deliberately made by the Council It is not too late to reverse this strange decision and give the children of Forres and area the school they deserve surrounded by wide green areas as has Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 39 of 71 Page 147
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been granted to those attending the Elgin secondary schools I find it so hard to accept that once more our children are being disadvantaged by the very people who have been voted in to care for their best interests. Anonymous 9/23/2025 01:29 PM The school will not be large enough to accommodate the existing number of pupils and allow for more as Forres is rapidly expanding. It will need tobe built on several floors and will cause issues for local residents including noise and traffic disruption during the build phase. Applegrove school will also suffer from noise pollution and worse, lose their playground/sports pitch area. Parking will be an issue for both the proposed High School as well as Applegrove and through traffic will be disrupted and delayed during school pick up and drop ot periods. An out of town High school option would be much better. Anonymous 9/23/2025 03:49 PM I am keen to see some progress so the children and the wider community can start to benefit from the new school and sport facilities. Anonymous 9/23/2025 03:24 PM Not a suitable site Anonymous 9/23/2025 05:45 PM 1. Applegrove primary school should not lose their playing field 2. Roysvale is used by so many people and clubs the community would definitely suffer if they lost access to this green space as it is. 3. The planned area for building floods regularly 4. The site does not have room for expansion should this be required in the future as our town’s population continues to increase. 5. The disruption to the local residents and school children from 3 schools would be vast and I fear with the extra traffic and heavy goods vehicles it would be dangerous to all. Anonymous 9/23/2025 06:27 PM The ridiculous traffic lights installed have already made travel around the area far worse, couple this with building materials, contractors etc and what's already a dire situation will only be exacerbated. Some common sense needs to be applied here, the applegrove site is not suitable for the relocation Anonymous 9/23/2025 09:53 PM Listen to the people of Forres as these are the ones who will be affected and I haven’t heard of anyone who is happy with the location. Please reconsider about it being built behind the original academy. Show the people of Forres that you are listening. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 40 of 71 Page 148
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Anonymous 9/23/2025 10:11 PM The site is not big enough to construct a quality secondary school that truly serves the young people of Forres. Nearby new-build schools in Elgin, Lossie and Nairn have a much bigger footprint. Our young people deserve at least the same level of facilities and green space roundabout. The pupils of Applegrove should not have their playing field taken away from them. Nor should they have to endure 3 years of construction noise or increased danger from increased traffic movements. Roysvale Park belongs to the people of Forres, not Moray Council. It will never be the same if this project goes ahead. People and businesses in the neighbourhood will be permanently negatively impacted by the construction site and school. The drainage system around the site will not cope unless it is significantly upgraded. The cost of this would have to be footed by the council and I do not believe this has been accounted for. I also believe that SEPA and Scottish Water will oppose planning permission being given on that basis and much time will have been wasted on a site that was never suitable. Anonymous 9/24/2025 09:33 AM I hope the new school can be built as soon as possible. It is so needed and children are being denied a decent school because some people are worried about their view being interrupted. Children should come first. Anonymous 9/24/2025 12:18 PM Far to close to my house i suffer with severe ptsd Anonymous 9/24/2025 02:47 PM I agree with all the opposing arguments, from the highly professional, like those of Mr G Alexander, to the very personal, like those of the local vets. I regret that The Moray Council seeks to obfuscate the issue, and ignore the majority opinion of Forres residents. I would expect that this time, an honest report of pro and con submissions will be forthcoming. Anonymous 9/24/2025 06:39 PM The site often floods and the area will cause maximum distribution potentially for years … Why not build on the existing site ? ♀️ Anonymous 9/24/2025 09:05 PM I don’t agree with building the new Academy on the Applegrove Primary School grounds due to such close proximity of the two when this is complete and also the poor drainage issues that already exist on this ground. Also taking a large part of the Roysvale Park common good land to then use as a bus lane for the Academy transport is only going to make the traffic situation on Sanquhar Road worse than it already is during school hours. It is stated that part of the old Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 41 of 71 Page 149
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academy site will remain as the car park for the new Academy, but I don’t believe this will be used especially in poor weather and cars will be left along Orchard Road to make the situation even worse than it already is. I see this on a daily basis living in the vicinity. Anonymous 9/25/2025 08:29 AM Impact of building on skyline from house Impact of parking and traffic around the park Loss of greenspace/trees Risk of flooding from additional flow in a known flooding hot spot, in particular for local roads and properties Impact on pupils and ASN children at Applegrove Making sure old site is changed sustainably Sports pitches are good In my view Lochyhill was discounted unfairly. Yes there may have been some distance for some pupils and slightly less business locally but there were so many benefits to siting it at Lochyhill on a clean slate. There were also arguments about it being sited centrally but actually Forres is so large now that Roysvale isn't even the centre either. Please reconsider whether Lochyhill should be brought back to the table! You could easily make a brilliant school, have good facilities, room for expansion, no issue with parking, greenspace loss, flooding, less impact on local residents, no impact on primary school, potential for a new school sited in or around as a 5-18 campus. There's so much potential there. Surely what's best for the town and our future generations is worth the extra money. Preserving Roysvale as a park would also be a massive plus and you'd have the majority of people on your side. Anonymous 9/25/2025 09:03 AM The new Forres Academy needs to be kept central in Forres so it is easier for everyone to walk to, be able to go up the high street for lunch or walk home for lunch etc. Anonymous 9/25/2025 01:06 PM The children of Applegrove use the playing field multiple times a day and that is outwith the playtime and lunchtime slots. By the playing field being taken over for a new school affects the children enjoying outdoor learning. It also creates more traffic in already a busy area. The noise levels during the build will disturb children with additional support needs and the elderly in the area. Anonymous 9/25/2025 02:12 PM We are grateful for Mray Council and Scottish Government funds being prioritised for the building of a new Forres Academy. Please progress the plans and build as quick as possible. Thank you Anonymous 9/25/2025 03:20 PM New Academy should certainly not be built next to Applegrove Primary School and should not steal Common Good land on the nearby park. If it is, this would cause more than three years of noisy Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 42 of 71 Page 150
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disruption and nightmare traffic jams in narrow streets. Instead, the New Academy should be built closer to Forres Enterprise Park, near where a new Primary School will probably be built during the next decade. Anonymous 9/25/2025 05:34 PM Just get on with it and stop wasting time on meeting with the minority who are against it. The majority just wants the new school build! Anonymous 9/25/2025 06:34 PM The additional traffic on Sanquhar Road and Orchard Road is going to cause major disruption during drop off and collection times. This is already prevalent on Burdsyard Road, Sanquhar Road and Orchard Road. Anonymous 9/26/2025 06:05 PM I don’t think having the school in the town centre is a good idea as it takes so much traffic into the town already. I do t think it’s going to be helpful having all those big construction trucks in the area during building too because it’s already tight during school start/collection times. Anonymous 9/26/2025 06:14 PM Try listening to people's concerns. This is not the right place for a rebuild. Anonymous 9/28/2025 09:57 PM The school does not need to take all of applegroves feild so they can have two for themselves. Its ridiculous.. and they dont need two car parks either. All seems greedy and making the primary school childrens exercise suffer. I have children in both the schools and this seems ridiculous just like the highschools shared bathrooms they spent a tone of money on which is also ridiculous as the girls should never have to be in a bathroom with the teenage boys and feeling awkward to even go to cry or change a pad. Also the bathroom waisted money which could of been used on school trips or something useful was pointless as they plan building another school not properly and to make other younger children suffer. Also I don't want my young child next to the older teenagers hearing their language. Its bad enough what they pick up from the p6 and 7s. Its all stupid. Children should not be right next to high school children smoking and god knows what else. Anonymous 9/29/2025 09:15 AM Site doesn't allow for expansion and destroys green space within our town. As the town grows, these green spaces should be protected. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 43 of 71 Page 151
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Anonymous 9/30/2025 04:21 AM This is a well used park for football and dog walking. A 3 storey building will dwarf the single storey pensioners homes nearby and disturb the peace and quiet of residents. Also will take away a playing area for the nearby primary school. There is no future expansion available here. Anonymous 9/30/2025 02:30 PM The loss of green space totally unforgivable. The hassle due to the construction and operation of the new school would be to great for the local residents. Anonymous 9/30/2025 03:02 PM Right school, wrong site. I say right school, but with the secondary placements we are already short by + new housing developments, are we sure that the capacity of the new academy will be adequate? Anonymous 9/30/2025 03:41 PM Concern about Applegrove loss of green space. This field has been of great value to the school for educational, social and mental health purposes.Environmental lessons are of importance as well as showing youngsters the importance of green space. The above talks about a site next to Applegrove - not the playing field of Applegrove. 2 different meanings. The other playing field/ green space is famous for flooding. Everyone living in the area will tell you that. You are removing spaces that is well used by the community. You are planning a 3 storey building next to houses so cutting down light to those properties. The only main thing I can get out of the meetings is that it is the cheapest option. Shared facilities. How can the latter be fitted into a timetable when you are catering for so many secondary pupils/classes. All very well saying you will accommodate- has it been looked at in practice ? It was said at an early meeting that if you ran out of space the primary school would be taken over and that rebuilt. Big question is where would you find the land for that within the catchment? Forward thinking Anonymous 9/30/2025 10:48 PM Leaving 1 sports pitch and 1 3g pitch a short distance away which will cut into lesson times is not enough outdoor facilities for 2 schools to share. In a time where outdoor learning, green space and sports is so valued why would you ever consider cutting these?! What will happen at break time at applegrove primary school when all their outdoor space is gone? Is there legally enough square footed space for them to play? The lochyhill site would provide much less congestion and impact on overlooking residence. Looking at other academys/high schools such as elgin, much better sports facilities are provided. I think a 5-18 campus is not a positive, there will be a lot of bullying and anxiety from the younger children. The car park is too far from the school and will encourage people to try and park/drop off in the Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 44 of 71 Page 152
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already busy streets surrounding the site. Anonymous 10/01/2025 12:45 AM The loss of the playing field will be so detrimental to applegrove and all the community who use it outwith school time. Why squash it into green space and common good land when there is a perfectly reasonable alternative. You are making forres children less than they deserve Anonymous 10/01/2025 07:57 AM Please don't take our playing field away, we play football there everyday Anonymous 10/01/2025 07:58 AM I don't want academy pupils right next to us, they already shout things over the fence at lunch time and I wouldn't like it Anonymous 10/01/2025 10:38 PM Better safe cycle routes across Forres would greatly improve accessibility to the new (and current) school. Anonymous 10/02/2025 10:25 AM My children love the field at Applegrove Anonymous 10/02/2025 04:23 PM School playing field Anonymous 10/02/2025 04:25 PM Re-use the existing site Anonymous 10/02/2025 04:27 PM The proposed relocation removes central greenspace area which cannot and will not be reinstated. The proposed footprint of the new academy furthermore does not allow for any potential expansion in future years as such would appear to be short sighted and inconsiderate of the potential growth in pupil numbers for future years. Anonymous 10/02/2025 05:33 PM Common good ground should not be used. A badly thought out scheme from day one Enterprise Park is sensible place for school,easy access,parking ,no flooding etc etc etc Anonymous 10/02/2025 09:56 PM I'd suggest the new academy should be built in phases on the present site even if it means building upwards rather than outwards and to the south utilising the playing field on the other side of the Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 45 of 71 Page 153
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Mosset burn for building or as a car park. Anonymous 10/03/2025 07:29 AM I feel this is being proposed in the wrong place & the playing field should be maintained as it is. I hope the council will change this decision. Thank you Anonymous 10/03/2025 12:50 PM N/A Anonymous 10/03/2025 04:56 PM I understand there's no ideal site, but losing that green area would really be a shame, it's often used by pupils from both schools. Also it seems unfair to the Applegrove kids that they would have to be right next to a secondary school. I'm not completely against the site, especially as it's important that a new school is built due to safety issues with the current one. I'm just not convinced the Applegrove location is the best one. Anonymous 10/03/2025 05:18 PM Build it elsewhere! How can you limit green space and sports pitches to 1 field and 1 3G pitch for 2 schools to share? Look at elgin high school on the Edgar road. Fantastic facilities all on one campus. It will take a lot of lesson time to get there and back. Surely you should be focusing on outdoor benefits and sports. Anonymous 10/03/2025 08:42 PM On a number of issues I think this school should not be built on the proposed site. Flooding, Traffic, safety and the detrimental impact on the community. It’s far too big for this area with the amount of small bungalows nearby. The roads will be dangerous for the children at peak times due to the volume of traffic. This is going to impact this community for years with mess, noise, vibrations from heavy construction. Apple grove pupils will suffer the loss of outside space as will the people who use Roysvale park now. It’s just wrong. Anonymous 10/04/2025 06:17 AM The risk of flooding. Traffic disruption. Noise impacting on residents during and after construction. Loss of common good land, tree's, playing area for children. It will not enhance the area but cause chaos and upheaval. One fatality with increased work traffic would be one too many.. Anonymous 10/04/2025 01:29 PM hope it happens quickly!!!!! :] Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 46 of 71 Page 154
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10/04/2025 04:40 PM You have disregarded two previous consultations in which the public voted by majority for the edge of Forres site at Lochyhill.. The site at Applegrove is too small, will cause traffic issues even greater than those that already exist, and the council plans to use part of the adjacent Common Good land of Roysvale park which the council has no right to do and does not as yet have permission in law to do so. That the council is having to go to court over the issue of Roysvale Park surely reinforces the claim that the Applegrove site is too small, and this whole issue is wasting valuable time which could have been avoided if the Council had listened to the public and chosen the Lochyhill site. Councils have a duty to respect the wishes of those they supposedly serve. Please do so before it is too late. Anonymous 10/05/2025 05:37 PM Forres needs a new secondary school but the site proposed is not suitable. Apart from depriving the pupils ( including ASN pupils) of Applegrove of their well used green space, the site is extremely tight and unsuitable for such a huge building. Look at Nairn, Lossiemouth, two secondary schools in Elgin and many others across the north and northeast- no other school is squeezed into such a small area. Pupils at both schools will have very limited access to green spaces for leisure and sport . Why are Forres young people being short changed and given lesser facilities? Anonymous 10/06/2025 09:00 AM The building would disturb veteran housing Anonymous 10/06/2025 10:11 AM Consider using existing car park for Forres Academy for bus/coaches to avoid green space being used at Roysvale. Erect a covered walkway. Regenerate the outdoor basketball court to be a functional and welcoming court/MUGA Anonymous 10/06/2025 10:49 AM Building the new Forres Academy on the Applegrove Primary playing fields in my opinion is sheer lunacy, not only will it destroy a beautiful green urban space which has been enjoyed by countless generations but it will also deny the schoolchildren's access to a much needed recreational area especially for special needs children. The construction of the building on this particular site will cause immense vehicular traffic problems. The invasion of common good land by installing a bus drop off lane. Why don't you build the new Academy on the original Academy site. Anonymous 10/06/2025 12:18 PM Like the majority of residents affected by the proposed relocation we are totally opposed to the proposal primarily on the grounds of increased traffic along our road, the parking arrangements on the site Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 47 of 71 Page 155
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of the old school, drainage and loss of the green space comprising Roysvale Park and Applegrove playing field. Anonymous 10/07/2025 08:37 AM Keep the green space, find somewhere else like you could put it on the field past the flood alleviation and Mackenzie cruickshank Anonymous 10/07/2025 11:40 AM Please protect Applegrove's cherished playing field, a beautiful, irreplaceable space that nurtures our children’s health, learning, and wellbeing. Losing it would remove the green heart of the school, a place that has supported generations. Construction and ongoing traffic disruption would also significantly affect families and the local community. As the Scottish Government’s Out to Play guidance notes, playspaces and green spaces are essential for children’s emotional wellbeing, physical health, confidence, and social skills. This space must be safeguarded for the benefit of current and future pupils. Anonymous 10/07/2025 02:20 PM Get started with building the school or I feel it will never happen Anonymous 10/07/2025 02:44 PM Why are people complaining about losing green space surely where the current Academy sits will become a new green space Anonymous 10/07/2025 04:42 PM i don't think its a suitable place for a 3 story building and the houses next to it will have a view of nothing. im also not happy with it being built on Applegroves property ither, i also don't like how its going to have no colour and 0 taste. Anonymous 10/07/2025 09:12 PM It is on the wrong site!! Anonymous 10/08/2025 10:25 AM It seems that Moray Council does what it wants to and despite the initial survey being in favour of a separate site the council ignored this and went for the Applegrove site. The loss of Applegrove playing field is sad for all those attending the school. Anonymous 10/08/2025 12:02 PM i'm hungry Anonymous 10/08/2025 12:03 PM I dont think that this is right you think its right taking away one childs right to a space to play and put a school there its not right the primary Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 48 of 71 Page 156
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kids shouldnt have to suffer loosing their play ground for our school Anonymous 10/08/2025 12:03 PM good luck Anonymous 10/08/2025 12:03 PM Nope Anonymous 10/08/2025 02:45 PM yes Anonymous 10/08/2025 02:45 PM give me more food Anonymous 10/08/2025 02:45 PM no Anonymous 10/08/2025 12:05 PM Enterprise park is better. It will have a detrimental effect on the veterans living nearby as shown in the Forres Gazettes article from a few weeks ago. Anonymous 10/08/2025 02:45 PM DONUT DO A FLAT ROOF IT WILL LEAK Anonymous 10/08/2025 12:06 PM think about the safety of the children and who actually has access to the school Anonymous 10/08/2025 02:45 PM The position of the school is questionable but if that the only good place to put the school then why not put it there if it will make everyone happy as the high street will still benefit with the pupils attending the shops up the high school. Anonymous 10/08/2025 02:45 PM I don't really mind. the astro pitch will need to be used often to keep seagulls off. Anonymous 10/08/2025 02:45 PM Good Anonymous 10/08/2025 02:45 PM The 3G pitch will be a big walk from the school taking lots of time away from the lesson. Perhaps double lessons may need to be Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 49 of 71 Page 157
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considered for PE lessons in the future? Anonymous 10/08/2025 02:45 PM no i dont Anonymous 10/08/2025 02:45 PM no Anonymous 10/08/2025 02:45 PM CROISANTTTT!!!!!!!! Anonymous 10/08/2025 02:45 PM Definitely don't want it on Roysvale Anonymous 10/08/2025 02:45 PM - Seagulls: Their droppings are all over the school now (you should have to figure out a way to clean the windows more often and easily) + might nest on the pitch. - I do not support that primary school children might come to the academy. It will disrupt learning and there's a big age gap between a 5-year-old and an 18-year-old (not safe for neither). - Making the school more appealing from the outside: don't use grey colours (it looks like a factory or a hospital). Anonymous 10/09/2025 07:54 AM Build up of parked cars exists already around Roysvale and Sanquhar rd car park, loss of a well used park by children and the local elderly population as accessible from surrounding terraced bungalows and veterans homes. Anonymous 10/10/2025 12:37 PM not really tbh Anonymous 10/10/2025 01:20 PM Only that it needs to be constructed as soon as possible. The plans look very good indeed, and the new build will serve the secondary education of our children - and the wider community - for decades, whereas the current Academy is well past its life! Anonymous 10/10/2025 03:43 PM We need a new academy from the children. Think of the children before the community. The children are the future. Anonymous 10/10/2025 07:04 PM Roysvale, are you mad? Destroy the town’s second most important green space when you’re in such a rural part of the UK? Roysvale Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 50 of 71 Page 158
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Place and surrounding housing is made bearable by this green space. Isn’t it common good land? Using it for this is sacrilege. The existing Academy site is fine, ok the building isn’t - rebuild on same site. Do not destroy this green space and crowd out Applegrove Primary. Apart from Grant Park, Roysvale has to be the worst possible choice. Anonymous 10/11/2025 10:49 AM The location for proposed new academy is simply wrong and is not the best option for Forres as a whole now or in the future. Firstly the site is not big enough for a 3 storey building that is proposed. Secondly, to build an academy next to the biggest ASN school in Moray is not fair on the younger children in the long term, not mention the upheaval and distress that this will cause to Applegrove pupils as a whole and more so to those with ASN throughout the build process. Thirdly, for Applegrove to lose their green space at a time when calls are being made for improvements to be made to school grounds in Scotland is absurd. Thirdly, the chaos that will be caused by the traffic flow on Orchard Road and all of the surrounding streets will be immense. It is already horrendous at school drop off and pick up times with the existing school so building it adjacent to the primary school will only exacerbate the problem. Finally, to think that the Council can take common good land from the town of Forres that is so important and regularly used is wrong on so many levels. How this can be overlooked so flippantly, I cannot understand or support. Anonymous 10/13/2025 06:01 PM The relocation of this build does not reflect the outcome of the public consultation process, and the voice of the people of Forres. All agree that a new school is required, however the planned location is inappropriate for many documented reasons. As Forres grows there will be no further room to expand the Roysvale site, so why not spend the extra money buying and relocating it to Lochyhills, where a new academy, and the area can be further expanded and developed? Anonymous 10/14/2025 10:11 AM Why is this consultation being reintroduced at such a late date? Is it because the previous consultation wasn't run properly? I have already logged all my objections to the planning application. This consultation will be meaningless, so close to the end date for objections re the planning application and will be confusing to the local community Anonymous 10/14/2025 02:33 PM I believe the building of a new school behind the existing school has not been fully investigated and the chosen position has more to do with what is simple for the council and not what is right for Forres. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 51 of 71 Page 159
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Anonymous 10/14/2025 07:03 PM As former teacher having worked in Forres academy for over 30 years I have worked through the flooding of the area and the traffic congestion arround the site .The lose of green space round a primary school is very shortsighted as it is extremely important to the mental we being of all children Anonymous 10/14/2025 07:31 PM I feel the proposed location next to Applegrove is a huge mistake. I do not believe the site is anywhere close to being big enough to accommodate a high school and a building of the height suggested is completely inappropriate for the area. I walk past the area daily and a class full of primary children playing can make the field look busy! The site will cause chaos for the residents in the area whilst the construction takes place and the veteran’s cottages next to the site will be completely overshadowed by the proposed building. Along with the above concerns there is absolutely no room for expansion. Forres itself seems to be constantly expanding without the necessary services and infrastructure to keep up and, as far as i can see, the proposed new academy is another example of this failure. I have seen and heard very few positive responses to this proposal, I feel that a decision has already been made completely ignoring the thoughts and concerns of the people of Forres. Anonymous 10/14/2025 07:57 PM Whilst I am in support of the proposed site for accessibility for students I do have concerns which include - noise and disruption during the build; possible flooding of an already boggy site which sometimes suffers from sewage after heavy rainfall; the felling of mature trees; the loss of access to green spaces for Applegrove students; the money wasted on the recent new sports hall (can't it be retained?); the likelihood of parents/staff parking in Roysvale Pl (can this be made residents only?) Anonymous 10/15/2025 07:03 AM The site at Applegrovs will be too limited to support Forres' growth whilst having an extremely detrimental effect on pupils of the school and nearby residents. Traffic and safety are already an issue for the existing academy building Anonymous 10/15/2025 04:17 PM There are many reasons to which siting the school on the playground of Applegrove Primary is simply wrong. There will be responses that will be more intelligent than this, but I say them in my way. The areas is one of the most congested in the town. There is no policing of the traffic, and it has become increasingly dangerous during school drop off/pick up times with the increase of families living away from the town centre. There are blind spots on the tollbooth roundabout and Nelson Road. This situation will only become further exacerbated with Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 52 of 71 Page 160
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a new school in situ. The drainage is very poor and the wastewater system has no further capacity. The area is prone to flooding with Scottish Water putting in flood doors in houses in the area surrounding the new school. It makes absolutely no sense to make this situation worse or to waste money that should be use for a school build for further flood alleviation measures. There are military veterans house next to the new school/build site. Their concerns have not been met in terms of mitigating risk to their mental or physical health. The space proposed does not allow for future expansion for a growing population which will continue to predominately be families moving into the outskirts of town. Applegrove Primary School was built on common good land, and the playground was also given if it was not built on in the future. Moray Council dispute this and will not provide records. Taking common good land away from Roysvale Park for a bus lane simply does not need to happen in any circumstance. No serious effort has been made to utilising the existing school site which already belongs to the council and is expansive. Money is driving the decision despite previous surveys indicating that Forres does not want the school in the proposed location. Anonymous 10/18/2025 08:58 AM The site is too small and has multiple issues associated with it including flooding and drainage issues which will be very costly to resolve. This site will not provide the best school for Forres or the school that our children and teachers deserve. The design template being used also has a number of issues and the school at Lossiemouth has problems with classrooms that are too small, poor stair case layout, public accessing pupil area putting our children at risk. The proposed site will obliterate the playing field space for Applegrove where my children also attend and will have a negative impact on the health and well-being of primary pupils in the long term. The school is to be built without any playing field space of its own and will therefore have to use Roysvale park, which is public green space and common good land. The building itself is vast and will completely change the local landscape and is not suitable for this location. It would be much better to build the school on the edge of Forres where there is plenty of room to build the school our town needs with plenty of room for recreational / sporting facilities and room for future expansion. Anonymous 10/19/2025 08:54 PM I do not support the use of Applegrove playing field as a site for a new Forres Academy. I do not think taking away a vital green space used daily by pupils and members of the public is acceptable. I do also do not agree with using Common Good Land as part of this project. I do not think that Applegrove pupils should be subjected to the disruption and noise pollution that would result from a 3 year Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 53 of 71 Page 161
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build. I also the believe the site has no scope for expansion due to its small size and therefore no future proofing. The 2 most recent new school builds in Moray have both had these issues. There are also huge issues with traffic in the surrounding streets currently during school drop off and pick up times which will inevitably worsen. Anonymous 10/21/2025 07:24 AM I have taken quotes from the consultation document and added my own comments; -'The modern design proposed will allow flexibility to use the learning environment creatively'- this means there will be fewer subject-specific classrooms and therefore teachers won't have their own spaces. This means displays of work/ subject-specific information won't be possible. I suspect that on a different site there would be more room to allow more rooms. ‘The new design will facilitate high levels of collaborative and collegiate working among educational professionals’. This is actually insulting! It suggests that we don’t already do this and that we don’t do it because of the building! What nonsense. ‘The new building will be designed to promote accessible and inclusive learning, meeting the needs of all learning including those with enhanced Additional Support Needs who will be accommodated in well considered accessible facilities that will support them from their arrival on site, throughout the day, through formal learning and informal social times. Internal spaces will be further complemented by accessible outdoor spaces, enriching the learning environment and skills development for young people further.’ The area dedicated to ASN in the new build is actually far smaller than the space we already have. Therefore, the new building design actually does not meet the needs of pupils with ASN! The current EP access the outdoor space around the school every day. Yes, the fenced area they currently use is quite grim but the proposed garden is actually much bigger. The new building will also provide an improved wireless-enabled learning environment to maximise the effective use of digital devices and promote digital literacy and independent learning. I guess this means every pupil will have access to a laptop? Or will all classrooms have wired in computers? I don’t see that on the plans. flexible partitions- I think walls are preferable. Flexible partitions sound cumbersome, not sound-proof and also relatively fragile. Providing a new building with shared and flexible learning spaces will encourage staff to work collaboratively-again, this is insulting. We need a new school with enough space in – not all these excuses for cramming people into a tiny area. widen opportunities for inter-generational working with Early Years’ settings, Primary Schools and the wider community- At present, pupils and teachers go out to visit primary schools. Why would you want to bring nursery children to visit a secondary school? Spaces for learning will be designed to allow a range of learning and teaching approaches including active, interdisciplinary and outdoor learning. I suspect that building the school in the proposed location will have exactly the Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 54 of 71 Page 162
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opposite effect. No drama pupil will want to perform in full view of the primary school. Neighbours will complain if they hear pupils having D&T lessons next to their homes. And the outdoor spaces currently used by the school are just further away. AND what about the primary school! They will lose their space. This is just a daft place to cram in a school! The direct adjacency of Applegrove Primary School in addition to Anderson’s Primary School and Pilmuir Primary School nearby to the new Forres Academy This whole section is mind blowing! So, the new school – which is barely big enough for the secondary pupils who will be in shared spaces- is supposed to be large enough for primary teachers to bring their pupils in for lessons? And, another insult, of course we already have good working partnerships with the local schools. And we would wherever a new school is built. The new design places real emphasis on outdoor learning-It doesn’t!!! The plans show these spaces but there isn’t actually enough room. Outdoor learning requires more space, not less. The new building shall be a comprehensive, purpose-built facility for the whole community, located to be as accessible and welcoming as possible- Forres already has community spaces. I would now like to consider the alternatives: New Build on alternative site - ……. including complex land ownership, lack of access for site investigations…. This suggests that the main reason for not building elsewhere is a legal one? I don’t believe that. Refurbish and Extend –I am interested to know how much money is spent every year on maintaining the current school. Every summer the workmen are in to change and fix things. Surely a refurb is already underway? The new school will provide even more opportunities for staff to work together and collaborate, with space to develop their own personal learning and to make further improvements to the curricular offer. The adjacency of the new secondary school and existing primary school will support a shared campus approach that will support this more collaborative approach between teachers, subjects and departments, Again, this is just so insulting. To suggest that we don’t collaborate and then to suggest that the reason is the building!!!!! In summary, I strongly believe that trying to cram a secondary school onto the Applegrove playing field is a dreadful idea. It just isn’t big enough. Look at the other new schools in Moray – they take up a much larger area and some have far fewer pupils. Anonymous 10/24/2025 02:49 PM The proposed design squeezes the new building into the Applegrove School playing area leaving no room for expansion. The criteria used to select Applegrove over Lochyhill was largely subjective: with a few tweaks, Lochyhill could have scored more highly. That site would have allowed ample space for expansion. The new building will dominate an area which consists largely of one and two storey residential buildings. It will look out of place and ruin one of the nicest areas in the town. Arguments put forward that the existing school site Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 55 of 71 Page 163
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could not be redeveloped due to flood risk are nonsense. Construction of the Chapelton Dam system has virtually eliminated any risk from the Mosset Burn flooding thus the existing site plus the Plasman Field would provide more than sufficient land area for the new academy. The decision to site the car park at a distance from the new building will lead to increased parking on local streets and town car parks by staff and pupils especially during bad weather. This will permanently inconvenience local residents. Finally, I monitor ground water levels under my property which is low-lying in Bank Lane. I am concerned that ground water levels in the area will rise as a consequence of this massive new structure and in the event my property is flooded, I give notice that I will consider suing the Council for damage caused to my house. Anonymous 10/26/2025 10:50 PM Don’t do it right next to the academy, where would the playing fields be? Like a 10 minute trek? No thanks U could probably get away with the pieces of land next to the flood alleviation by califer tbf Anonymous 10/27/2025 10:52 AM the central site will support accessibility by pupils and the local community who will all benefit from the facilities available to them including applegrove primary school. Stronger links with the primary school and the opportunity for them to use the new facilities will be of great benefit Anonymous 10/27/2025 11:29 AM The site is too small and as a result the proposed school is too high and is fundamentally out of keeping with the surrounding area. There is also no room for expansion when the inevitable need arises at some point in the future. The decision to take natural green play space away from primary pupils of Applegrove is astounding. The coach drop off and parking provision as currently shown is not an accurate representation of the reality. All in all a devastating missed opportunity for the young people of Forres. Anonymous 10/27/2025 07:10 PM Fully support this proposal and looking forward to seeing work getting started. Forres has spent far too long with a sub standard secondary school. Anonymous 10/27/2025 07:40 PM Building over the Applegrove playing field would be a real loss for the community. It's one of the few open green spaces where children can play safely, families can gather, and people can connect with nature right in the heart of Forres. Once it's gone, it's gone for good - and no amount of new facilities can replace the daily freedom and wellbeing that space provides. Beyond that, there are also many practical Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 56 of 71 Page 164
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issues - from traffic congestion and parking to drainage, access, and the disruption it would cause to nearby homes and the existing primary school. Altogether, it's simply not the right place for such a development. Anonymous 10/27/2025 10:05 PM I don't think it's right that there is no playground for the primary or enough sports facilities for both schools. I also don't think the campus for 5-18 year olds is a good idea. I have witnessed academy children shouting things to the applegrove pupils on their way past at lunch time and can only imagine the anxiety and bullying that may occur from such a close proximity. Anonymous 10/27/2025 10:08 PM Wrong location, too much chaos will be caused during the building. Anonymous 10/27/2025 10:17 PM The area is not suitable due to flooding.It will cause increased congestion in an area already badly effected. It will mean the lost of green space used by not only the primary students but many other groups .The use of common good land is highly questionable. Anonymous 10/27/2025 10:24 PM There's needs to be a new school now. As the old one is falling down, a new Attractive school with upto date teaching equipment and facilities will attract more teachers. The pupils also need an update teaching environment. Anonymous 10/27/2025 10:26 PM This site is totally unsuitable in many respects. The safety of the primary children because the traffic will be worse and Orchard Road is dangerous as it is. I often walk across Roysvale park and it will bring chaos for the children at Applegrove as well as denying them outside space. The council are cramming in such a lot in a site too small. There’s also the safety issue of parents picking up children and where the bus run off will be, on Common good land right next to Sanquhar Road where the parents park. The construction will not be healthy for the Applegrove children either. Years of dirt, noise, vibrations etc. Anonymous 10/27/2025 10:31 PM Can't believe in an era where green space is so valuable especially for health and wellbeing and a drive for outdoor learning that anyone would consider this a good option. Find a better site for the new academy. Anonymous People of Forres have already said no to the school being relocated Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 57 of 71 Page 165
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10/27/2025 10:32 PM on the Applegrove/Roysvale site. Please look at Lochyhills as was voiced by the people of Forres. This area has room for expansion, and has the potential to provide a fantastic purpose built school, with less restrictions and less negative impact to the people in Forres and environment. Anonymous 10/27/2025 10:40 PM Hurry up and start building before my kid leaves. Hes in S1!! Anonymous 10/27/2025 10:44 PM Build it at back of Academy forward END OFF Anonymous 10/27/2025 10:53 PM I think the proposed location is perfect. Very close to the existing academy so the current transport arrangements will still work. High Street businesses will still benefit from pupils being able to access shops at lunchtimes. Plenty of people have already had to live with building noise on the new housing estates so I don’t see that noise will be any more of a problem here than it has been in the Mannachie area. I think the new school will be a great advantage to the town and more importantly the pupils. I’d like to hope that my grandchildren will benefit from the new school when they are academy age, in a few years. Anonymous 10/27/2025 10:54 PM It’s a perfect location for the new school central for all to access Anonymous 10/27/2025 11:08 PM There are SO many reasons why the new academy should not be built next to Applegrove Primary School, but no one in charge seems to be listening to the people of Forres. Anonymous 10/27/2025 11:23 PM Already Submitted Anonymous 10/28/2025 12:24 AM 1.The wording “ a site next to Applegrove Primary School “ is only a half truth. You mean a relocation to “a site which is Applegrove Primary School playing field”. Unwilling to say this clearly ?. 2.Building on the primary school playing field goes against Local Plan,against Scot.Gov green spaces plan, against community wishes already expressed in previous surveys. But too bad. this will save £4 million! No chance ,No room for expansion….but Forres is the only town where there won’t be any expansion 3.An out of town site with plenty room is what so many other towns have gone for, but Moray Council are determined to pour a quart into a pint pot. In a few years Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 58 of 71 Page 166
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people will ask “How on earth did the get away with that decision?” Another survey to be disregarded. Anonymous 10/28/2025 05:23 AM This is wrong for so many reasons. It takes away valuable green space from Applegrove Primary. There is absolutely no room for expansion io the coming years. It is far too close to local housing which contain some elderly and vulnerable people. The parking in the area is really bad at the moment with just one primary. The traffic pressure on Orchard Road with the lights at Orchard Road/ St Catherine’s Road junction will get worse with tail backs possibly to the A96. The area is quite low and is often bothered by flooding. Anonymous 10/28/2025 05:28 AM Central location near existing school that everyone already travels to Anonymous 10/28/2025 06:01 AM Green spaces are needed for good health abut are removed from access to Applegrove primary pupils. Additional vehicles in residential area is not good. The alternative area would be off A 96 as most pupils are bussed to the Academy already and there is space with no distress to people. Also excellent parking dpace Anonymous 10/28/2025 06:11 AM I agree with new location of secondary school and with playing fields to locate to where existing school is just now. I just feel community centre and library should stay where is just now as keep that footfall on high street. Anonymous 10/28/2025 06:29 AM The area is perfect for the school - the fact it's in the exact same general area as the current school means consideration for traffic etc are mute. Ita the only central area in Forres that'll will work. All for the most cost effective option too Anonymous 10/28/2025 06:43 AM Build on existing academy site preference Anonymous 10/28/2025 07:10 AM Don’t let the local residents around the proposed site stop you. It doesn’t matter where you build it, you will always face disagreement. If you move it, the next sites’ neighbours will complain in the same way. The proposed site at apple grove is the best location. Just get it built. Anonymous Most of the people I’ve spoke to were under the impression it was Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 59 of 71 Page 167
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10/28/2025 07:19 AM going to be at roysvale park. Why can’t it go there? Then where the academy was make it the playing field for the academy/football pitches Anonymous 10/28/2025 07:22 AM My preference would be to have an academy on the same site as current academy although I understand the build needs to be larger to accomodate a swelling population. Huntly have the primary and secondary schools adjacent to each other which is fantastic as the primary school benefit from early access to secondary school facilities including language teachers, larger library, labs to spark early interest in STEM subjects. I am dissapointed that objection is fuelled by (often innacurate) social media posts driven by a relatively small number of people within the community. Anonymous 10/28/2025 07:45 AM I live on castlehill street and have an autistic child who is noise sensitive, this is going to make our lives hell when they are building. Anonymous 10/28/2025 08:00 AM It is a dreadful decision, apple grove deserves it's playing field and the community should not have such a large development in the town centre. No other town builds a highschool in a town centre because of congestion, growing numbers (expansion) and I think the council are forgetting it's not just forres children that go here. Bus routes should be accessible not just walking routes for a few. Anonymous 10/28/2025 08:00 AM Have the council considered the construction traffic and the roads, junctions aren't fit for purpose. Green space, the applegrove kids won't have their playing field. When Springfield are building all these new houses could there be a clause where they have to put a school in depending on the amount of houses built Anonymous 10/28/2025 08:03 AM The proposed new site for the Academy is not fit for purpose. It is prone to flooding, is the only green space belonging to Applegrove Primary School and the road network around it is already at capacity without adding additional pressure. Also taking a section of the common good land gifted to the people of Forres to be used as a bus lane is surely illegal! Anonymous 10/28/2025 09:54 AM I voted yes in the past as I thought that would be the quicker option for my child. As it’s unfolding I can see my child among others will just have to accept to get their education in a run down building which I find really upsetting, and if it’s going to take a long time to build, might aswell invest in the best spot to give kids in the future their best Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 60 of 71 Page 168
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start. A state of the art safe and motivating building for them to enjoy with plenty of green space for peace. Increasing safe cycle paths to get there, plenty of lighting and safe passes to walk. Please just get it going. Anonymous 10/28/2025 11:24 AM With the expansion of the town there should be various other options. Like the Christies fields between Thornhill and Pulmuir road west. Especially when the town is expanding most on that side. Anonymous 10/28/2025 01:06 PM Already high water table and increased flood risk at a known flooding site. I'm not convinced by the remediation and adding flow from a 3 storey build into the local sewerage could have major implications. Loss of green space. Disruption to local primary school. Building dwarfing local residents. Traffic issues. Site should have been considered elsewhere. Anonymous 10/28/2025 02:56 PM I don’t understand why this is thought to be such a good site for the next few decades, when Forres is a growing town. It will only mean more and more people coming into this specific area (already chock a block at the traffic lights). The reason given has been cost, but this is false economy I think. Anonymous 10/28/2025 03:25 PM Yes start building asap. The students and staff require a new building to achieve their full potential Anonymous 10/28/2025 05:06 PM Will the support or otherwise make any difference? It seems to most people that the preferred site of the Council is Applegrove playing field…in fact not the just the preferred site, but the only one to be considered. The feelings of previous Council surveys on the topic ,indicating a preference for a larger, site with possibilities for expansion and extensive sports fields have been been ignored….as will be this one .Gobbling up a central green field area,depriving a primary school of its playing field ,squeezing a secondary school into such restricted space is total folly. How future generations will regard such short sightedness! Anonymous 10/28/2025 08:41 PM Of the 3 locations it seems like the best option Anonymous 10/28/2025 09:34 PM I think it needs to be started as soon as possible, you're never going to please everyone and our young people deserve a new Academy as soon as possible Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 61 of 71 Page 169
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Anonymous 10/29/2025 04:11 PM Listen to what the town is telling you. You are elected to represent us. Anonymous 10/30/2025 10:31 AM Too small a site and the construction phase will have a detrimental effect on the surrounding area. Traffic congrstion will be awful as primary school and surrounding houses and businesses will be impacted. Area prone to flooding too. Another site shoukd be considered for the long term planning Anonymous 10/30/2025 03:26 PM Too much green space is lost by relocating the highschool at the applegrove site. My younger children will lose all of there playground area which they love to run around and do outdoor sports. They will have nowhere to do sports day either. I feel this is going to greatly impact all of the pupils at applegroves mental wellbeing. We need a new highschool but I believe that the other sites where better suited and nothing is lost. I'm deeply worried about the works of building the highschool and the impact on the primary school outdoor space and learning enviroment. Anonymous 10/31/2025 07:27 AM Listen to the community and consider the wider impact. There is clearly a very strong feeling against the proposal. Break the habit. Do the right thing. Publish information about who gains, financially, from the proposed development. Anonymous 10/31/2025 08:27 AM The increase in construction traffic, noise, pollution and disruption. The loss of valuable green space which is consistently used by children and local people. This site is not in the best interests of the children or the community as a whole. Relocate to a bigger site with room for expansion in the future if necessary. Anonymous 10/31/2025 08:42 AM Impact on primary school: Concerns have been raised about the learning environment at Applegrove Primary being disrupted by construction noise and activity. Loss of playing fields Anonymous 10/31/2025 01:26 PM Lack of sunlight reaching nearby properties Traffic Anonymous 10/31/2025 01:47 PM Stop being so pig headed and be more Realistic… there is Not Enough space!!! Traffic is already a complete shambles!! Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 62 of 71 Page 170
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Anonymous 10/31/2025 03:49 PM Have you considered using part of the current site i.e. the large carpark and school sports pitches (accessed over the metal foot bridge). Anonymous 10/31/2025 04:59 PM Should be Built at existing site. Anonymous 10/31/2025 05:00 PM Should use the existing site for the new school Anonymous 11/02/2025 01:32 AM Fact of the matter is, the current school is in no way good enough condition and the new school needs to be built as soon as possible, speaking as someone who has spent 6 years at this school I don’t think it should be held off any longer. I personally am sick and tired of the complaints against putting it at Applegrove’s field. Applegrove students have WAY too much field as it is, and if you actually look at its use, 80% is never used during the school day anyway. To demand so much land to themselves is greedy, especially when all of these children will be going to the new school too in a matter of years. Don’t they want a good, quality and nearby school to learn at in the future? I think that the new school should most definitely go on here as it’s central to the town and will not only save the council money on transport, but also parents and carers. Due to so many new residential areas being built further on the other end of Forres, many children (myself included) walk at least 25 minutes a day to and from as it is. Putting a school any further out of central town will mean busses (again, costly) or parents (who work, I will add) to be required to give lifts. Therefore, the new school should go on that field, it clearly makes the most logistical and practical sense to the entire community. Anonymous 11/02/2025 09:06 AM Losing a green space in town & accessible to all which is so well used is not forward thinking. Also in my opinion, the people who support this action are being very selfish. Anonymous 11/02/2025 02:34 PM no Anonymous 11/02/2025 10:10 PM Have submitted my planning application objections. Anonymous 11/03/2025 09:30 AM The site on the edge of forres, Lochyhill is far better suited. Space to build and future proof it for all the years to come. Traffic around Apple Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 63 of 71 Page 171
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Grove is a nightmare now and will be so much worse once the academy moves. It is not future proof at Apple Grove Anonymous 11/03/2025 12:21 PM Already poor access to both Applegrove and Forres Academy- this will exacerbate it. No opportunity for extending new academy if needed. Anonymous 11/03/2025 01:47 PM Elgin side of town is better choice for location just of A96 on the way to Elgin. Anonymous 11/03/2025 02:21 PM The issue is not the location but the size, the school building will be inadequate for the current and future number of pupils. Anonymous 11/03/2025 06:39 PM Site is too small, more traffic on orchard road sewer and storm water issues,this field floods even though contractors have attempted to resolve this issue, looke like this will be a 3story building what about the poor residents around this area . Move out of town any where and all of this would be resolved Anonymous 11/03/2025 08:54 PM I am completely opposed to this due to: Height of proposed development Drainage Litter Noise both while construction and after Parking Road safety Traffic Lack of consideration for neighbours (War Veterans cottages and Tom Ross funeral home plus all the houses close by) The proposed building is much larger than the low lying building proposed earlier in the consultation. This will without doubt have a detrimental impact on the views which surrounding residents will have and currently enjoy. Looking onto the school itself will be unsightly. Properties close to the proposed academy will be subjected to excessive noise, dust and general disruption during the period of construction and beyond. The noise and litter will be an issue for these residents too. Proximity to the War Veteran Cottages will be far too close and is without consideration to the residents, the same being applied to Tom Ross’s funeral home creating a completely inappropriate environment for those paying their last respects to their loved ones. This indicates a complete lack of respect, the respect that we show proudly on 11th November.Traffic on Orchard Road is extensive at then moment, contrary to even 35 years ago when children walked to school by themselves. Cars are parked right along to Albert Street at least. This will be much more extensive and will impact on residents in Cicely Place, Castlehill Road and beyond as well as the already crowded Sanquhar Road, Nelson Road and beyond. The site is known for flooding, therefore building on this proposed site will simply be making the same mistake as 1969 when Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 64 of 71 Page 172
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they were unable to build the 3rd storey. Local flooding will be a huge concern as the Mosset Burn will not be able to absorb additional drain water. The green spaces which, it is no secret,are vital for good mental health, will be robbed from Applegrove children and will give rise to even more children suffering from mental health issues. The ASN department take great pride in supporting children who require gentle, quiet areas in which to enjoy education at their level. These children often have intolerance to loud noise, the very thing that they are going to be subjected to day in and day out during the construction period and beyond. Anonymous 11/04/2025 09:33 AM not enough area for the growing community and the increase in population. Lack of car park space. Secondary pupils mixing with primary school pupils may affect their development and safety. Anonymous 11/04/2025 09:55 AM The site is too small for such a large building and will leave inadequate space around it for amenity and parking; it will involve the loss of precious green space; the size and height of the building will be completely at odds with its surroundings; the new school will be too close to neighbouring properties; it seems neither practical nor sensible to locate the new school beside a primary school; traffic congestion will be increased as the parking is too remote from the school. Like many others I feel that the Council's Learning Estate team has pushed through the decision to build at Applegrove without sufficient consideration of potential options which are more in line with Planning Policy and the wishes of the local community. For example, ideas to overcome the above problems and build the new school to the rear of the existing Academy were presented to the Council and retained on file in case the Applegrove scheme comes adrift through threPlanning or Common Good processes. Anonymous 11/04/2025 11:56 AM Positives- We need a new school. Negatives - It's on a flood plain, it's on existing playing fields, it will overlook residents properties, logistically it's in the wrong place with poor vehicular access, it's going to cause continuous disruption for residents of Forres for years to come Anonymous 11/04/2025 12:33 PM Although our catchment area is Pilmuir, my children attend Applegrove Primary. We based some of our decision on the green space Applegrove could offer. I do not want my children to lose this space. I also feel sorry for the veterans who would have a huge building out the back of their houses. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 65 of 71 Page 173
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Anonymous 11/05/2025 06:50 AM There has been no consultation with residents in the surrounding area. Proposed new building is removing green space from the pupils at Applegrove. Anonymous 11/10/2025 02:04 PM No Anonymous 11/11/2025 11:53 AM All of the ASN/Support needs should be on ground floor. Parents and school refusers, people who have experienced bullying, mental health issues don't want to be forced to walk through the building to access services. They just wont come. Anonymous 11/12/2025 10:45 AM The proposed site has constrained the building design options and supporting infrastructure is too far distant to be practical. The building will totally change the feel of the local area to one of being congested. Anonymous 11/12/2025 01:29 PM In term's of education benefits a replacement school is supported completely and this is an exciting development in Forres for all. However it shouldn't come at the detriment of others and I have yet to be convinced that all the mitigation measures can be achieved and the loss of Applegrove Playing Fields has been fully covered. Anonymous 11/12/2025 03:53 PM Forres need school ASP, council give permission to built houndrets of news houses got money for that , without new school? Plenty of space where the Academy is now. Field beside basketball place is empty only travelers used that. Anonymous 11/12/2025 05:15 PM I don’t believe full consideration of alternative site has been fully explored Site plans look cramped to fit the space rather than a school to fit future pupil increases Anonymous 11/12/2025 05:23 PM Loss of green space cannot happen. Anonymous 11/12/2025 05:25 PM Green spaces are fundamental for well being. Once they are eaten up you don’t get them back. This is used by community groups and ASN children for a variety of uses. How can it be ok to continue to bring traffic through the middle of town when other towns are reducing speed limits to reduce the emissions in town. Cost should not outweigh all other considerations. Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 66 of 71 Page 174
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Anonymous 11/12/2025 06:01 PM I believe that to relocate Forres Academy from its present location and move it to the playing fields of Applegrove Primary School will exacerbate problems already present in this area. The narrow roads in this region serve three schools, a funeral director, a garage and is a densely populated residential area currently just coping with the traffic congestion and hazards. The split site design of this proposal is going to cause parking issues as those unwilling to walk from the designated car park through Roysvale Park to the new academy will park on the narrow roads. The proposed new academy site is at the lowest point of the town. Homes and businesses already flood in this area due to surface water descending from the higher levels. Erecting such a large structure on this playing field which serves as a valuable soakaway will increase the risk of flooding to these homes and businesses. Indeed, Scottish Water in recognition of the risk to these properties have recently issued flood doors. I am concerned that in the future the new academy if built on this site will also be at risk of flooding. By moving the academy forward from its existing site into Applegrove playing fields it will be located in an area surrounded by residential properties in very close proximity. The residents will be in the vortex of activities associated with the new school which is also intended to be a Community Hub. Noise associated with supply vans, traffic and young people moving around the area will affect the residents in particular the Veterans whose homes are immediately adjacent. The business of the well- respected Funeral Director directly opposite the new academy site is likely to be affected. The bereaved attending his premises will be subject to noise during construction. It will be very difficult for him to conduct services in his Chapel. Post construction his Funeral Cortege will still have to navigate the movement of traffic and people attending the new School Community Hub. The highest point of this new academy/community hub is 16 .875 metres. This will cast a considerable shadow in the direction of the Veteran’s cottages and the homes Opposite on Orchard Road. Indeed, Applegrove Primary School will be in shadow. Regardless of attenuation tanks installed if the flow is restricted and gravity led to the Mosset Burn then that will surely restrict storage within the tanks. With the best will and design there will be a considerable amount of water redirected from this area to the Mosset Burn. The function of the Roysvale Park and Applegrove Playing Fields as soakaway will be compromised by the large new academy/hub structure and the bus lane and new path from the car park to the new school. There remains a significant adverse risk to this area of flooding!! Roysvale Park is Common Good Land and well used and Applegrove Playing fields is also well used by the primary school children and out of school hours by the public. This green outdoor space will be considerably reduced and the remainder absorbed into serving not only one but the needs of two schools. Therefore, the recognition of each school having to plan for it’s use will undoubtedly reduce the flexibility of options for outdoor Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 67 of 71 Page 175
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learning and play in nice weather when teaching staff might spontaneously decide to work outdoors. I foresee a situation where the public will be expected to accept that they cannot exercise their dogs in this area or use it at all during the school times. Therefore, the Roysvale Park will cease to be Common Good Land and be fenced off despite assertions by Moray Council to the contrary. This is appropriation of Common Good Land by stealth. Anonymous 11/12/2025 06:50 PM I am opposed to the Relocation of the Forres New Academy to the playing field of Applegrove Primary school for the following reasons: 1. Permanent loss of a valued playing field for the pupils of Applegrove Primary School 2. A compromised design for the New Academy as a consequence of building on an extremely constrained site. 3. Loss of a soak away site for surface water in an area that is subject to flooding at the present time 4. Infringement of privacy for residents in nearby housing 5. Degradation of living conditions for local residents due to noise, pollution in general and loss of amenity green space 6. Absolute disregard for the health and wellbeing of local residents and in particular the Veterans of the Armed Forces who all live in close proximity to the proposed site 7. Flooding concerns and inadequate strategies to mitigate flooding 8. Traffic congestion in an area that has a poor road infrastructure in a central location 9. A split site with parking facilities distant from the main locus – it is impossible to imagine that parking and traffic flow will not be a direct consequence of this plan 10. The design of the building will result in overshadowing neighbouring properties and also Applegrove Primary School. Anonymous 11/12/2025 07:18 PM Already a build up area taking away vital space and causing even more traffic build up in a small area Anonymous 11/12/2025 07:24 PM Additional risk of flooding. Removal of common land Removal of Applegrove playing field. A new 3 storey building in a traditional old part of town, towering over bungalows reducing natural Light . Congestion on Orchard Road -already a busy road . Poor and inadequate drainage . Inadequate infrastructure . Anonymous 11/12/2025 09:46 PM Safety and wellbeing of primary aged children at Applegrove Primary. Reduction in Applegrove green space. Traffic on orchard road going to affect Albert Street which is on going at moment Drainage Balfour representative not knowing the high of the build was worrying!!! What happens when delivery’s are delivered and funerals are on What happens when delivery’s for materials that day are delivered and used and no more arrive and project runs behind Bus labs won’t work Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 68 of 71 Page 176
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Teachers will not walk that distance from car park with books etc as it’s bad enough as it is and is seen at moment!! Proposed site has: Drainage issues Adjacent to a heavily used road with proposed main entrance on a curve in the road Directly next to residential properties Limited space for further expansion. Anonymous 11/12/2025 10:59 PM “ A site next to Applegrove Primary school “. Unwilling to state the exact position which is Applegrove playing field ? And most people know why,but results of previous surveys with those who expressed an opinion has been disregarded as will this survey. Attempting to shoe horn a 1200 pupil Academy into such a small area leaving virtually no play area for the primary children ,nor outside social area for Secondary pupils is blatantly nonsense. £60 million or so spent a few years ago on Chapelton dam flood alleviation scheme which virtually eliminates any risk of flooding on the present site , or the large area at Lochyhill ( but costing £4 million. ….which will inevitably be gobbled up by unknowns… but too bad ! All this a great example of the public trust in our democratic system being swept aside. Well done Moray Council ! Anonymous 11/12/2025 11:32 PM Far too small for school growth Needless destruction of valuable green space in town centre Ebteeprise Park option is best option in longer term Anonymous 11/13/2025 12:17 PM No Anonymous 11/13/2025 02:43 PM Summary I am against this relocation. I don't believe is it good for the Academy, Applegrove Primary or the Community of Forres. General Comments • It results in a loss of Green Space / Common Good Land for the community. • The playing fields of Applegrove Primary will be removed, without adequate replacement. • Neither Forres Academy or Applegrove will end up with their own independent playing fields as they do now. It will be shared space for c.1600 pupils, which is totally inadequate. • Under the 1967 Regulations, the playing fields allocated are short of the legal requirement. • The proposed use of Roysvale as playing fields for primary age pupils does not represent a safe play space, bounded on 2 sides by roads and not fenced off. • Further green space is lost to an unneeded bus lane, claimed to be required as it’s not safe for children to cross a road. The same road that will need to be crossed to access the 3G pitches! • The general public is to retain access to Roysale, including for one of the primary purposed which is dog walking. It is a health hazard to have dog poo on playing fields. • The new Academy is clearly too big a building squashed into too small a space. The artist Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 69 of 71 Page 177
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impressions are cleverly structured to give the impression of space that simply does not exist at the site. •Pupils at both the Academy and Applegrove Primary are being shortchanged by building on Applegrove. The new school will be overlooked by surrounding properties, and vice versa, which is totally inappropriate. • The active spaces around the edge of the proposed Academy are too small to be of any value to a school of c.1000 pupils. They space is no more than that of a corridor around the building. • A new school should capitalise on opportunity, not short change the community over costs. Costs which spread over the life time of a build become minimal. • The consultations papers cleverly refer to the current 2miles radius to qualify for a school bus. It is well documented that this is likely to change to 3, to reduce Council costs. This will put more cars on the road in already congested streets at peak school times. • Teachers will not want to walk from the proposed car park which, is located away from the school building, particularly in bad weather. • The flexible spaces proposed in this build are not likely to be attractive to teachers who will be used to having assigned classrooms / space. • Parking spaces located in the bus lane will inevitably result in cars being parked there when bus access is required. • The proposed building is completely out of keeping with the surroundings of the area. • Forres needs a new academy, not a community facility. • Placing a community facility at Applegrove will likely result in the loss of facilities and economic decline on Forres High Street. Any community facilities moved to the Academy site will not be available to the community with the same flexibility and open access as they are now. That is a loss to the town, not a gain. • Forres community has already spoken out loudly against word of closure of its well-used community centre on the High Street. Forres does not want a community building, it wants a new academy. • I have not seen evidence that drainage / flooding issues have been adequately managed such that this relation will not potentially result in flooding in other areas of Forres. Water will enter the system below the control of the very effective flood alleviation scheme. Impact on Applegrove Primary • Applegrove Primary is set to lose its green space and playing fields. This space is used daily by the children and is a valued asset of the primary school – it is why many parents have chosen the school for their children. • There are no replacement playing fields for Applegrove maintaining the overall playing capacity that the primary children can use at break and lunch as they do now. Roysvale will only be of use to Applegrove primary for supervised PE lessons, and even then, see my other comments regarding the dangers of the site. • The 3G pitch is not conveniently located as required - it is too far away to be practical for primary children and would require numerous staff to be able to walk the children to use it. What use will the primary school ever get of the 3G pitch when competing with an academy with 1180 pupils? • The all-weather pitches are not in “close proximity” for the primary school as required by the 1967 Regulations. • Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 70 of 71 Page 178
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Applegrove’s Playing Fields are proposed to be removed at a time when all recent education reports are focusing on the importance of outdoor space for learning. These reports are entirely in line with the Scottish Curriculum’s direction of travel to outdoor learning. The plans of TMC with this build, however, are out of synch. • Applegrove Playing Fields are categorised as ENV4. EP5 Open Space states that proposals which would result in a change of use on an ENV4 Sports Area to any other use will be refused. • The Scottish Government is to reopen consultation on updating the 1967 Regulations before the end of the year, as has been confirmed in writing by Jenny Gilruth. Given the direction of travel with outdoor learning, it is perfectly foreseeable that approving this planning proposal could result in a primary school no longer meeting revised outdoor space requirements under updated legislation. • Forres has a wonderful rural setting (whether or not considered a rural school) and we should be proud to be able to provide more space than the minimum. • All children need space to run around and let off steam, whether they have additional support needs or not (40-50% of Applegrove children having an ASN need). Condensing those c.300 children into a space a fraction of the size previously available will inevitably lead to issues, as frustration amongst the pupils grows. Applegrove primary is stated within the planning documents to have capacity for 460 pupils. If the school was to reach capacity, these issues would only be exacerbated. • Despite mitigations (all of which are totally inadequate), the education of all children at Applegrove will be negatively impacted during construction due to noise, pollution, vibrations, limitations on play space and construction dangers. Alternative Site There is widespread public support for rebuilding on the existing site. Two local architects have submitted plans for such a rebuild and the push backs in the documentation provided in the consultation pack don’t seem to account for the alleviation scheme. Lochyhill could also be brought back online as an alternative site and would provide a much better space for a new Academy, with facilities included in a more conventional campus site. Anonymous 11/13/2025 04:05 PM Mass of new build highly school detrimental to the visual civic amenity of this open low rise area. When the existing school was built in 1969 it was positioned and kept to 2 story construction to reduce the impact on the character of this area. This proposal appears to ignore this aspect of planning consideration. If it was a private entity proposing this build it would be unlikely to obtain planning here. Optional question (416 response(s), 271 skipped) Question type: Essay Question Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Survey : Survey Report for 19 August 2025 to 16 November 2025 Page 71 of 71 Page 179
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Survey Summary Report Table 1 Yes No 296 391 Minus Duplicates 180 359 % Yes % No 43.1% 56.9% Minus Duplicates 33.4% 66.6% Table 2 Question 1 - Responding as a….. Yes No Other Forres Academy AIves Primary School Andersons Primary School Applegrove Primary School Dallas Primary School Dyke Primary School Kinloss Primary School Logie Primary School Pilmuir Primary School Other Yes No Parent/carer 332 4 2 250 7 47 109 1 10 9 9 56 1 187 151 Pupil 70 1 2 59 1 2 5 1 3 2 0 2 0 45 28 School Staff Member 28 17 0 22 1 6 3 0 1 2 0 1 2 24 21 Community Member 223 10 1 170 5 42 86 1 5 3 1 21 1 45 189 Community Organisation 8 0 0 5 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 7 Other 37 7 0 28 1 6 14 0 0 1 0 4 2 6 38 TOTAL 698 39 5 534 15 104 223 3 19 17 10 85 6 308 434 Minus Duplicates 192 402 Table 3 Question 1 - Responding as a….. Yes No Other Forres Academy AIves Primary School Andersons Primary School Applegrove Primary School Dallas Primary School Dyke Primary School Kinloss Primary School Logie Primary School Pilmuir Primary School Other Yes No Parent/carer 98.2% 1.2% 0.6% 50.1% 1.4% 9.4% 21.8% 0.2% 2.0% 1.8% 1.8% 11.2% 0.2% 55.3% 44.7% Pupil 95.9% 1.4% 2.7% 78.7% 1.3% 2.7% 6.7% 1.3% 4.0% 2.7% 0.0% 2.7% 0.0% 61.6% 38.4% School Staff Member 62.2% 37.8% 0.0% 57.9% 2.6% 15.8% 7.9% 0.0% 2.6% 5.3% 0.0% 2.6% 5.3% 53.3% 46.7% Community Member 95.3% 4.3% 0.4% 50.7% 1.5% 12.5% 25.7% 0.3% 1.5% 0.9% 0.3% 6.3% 0.3% 19.2% 80.8% Community Organisation 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 38.5% 0.0% 7.7% 46.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 7.7% 0.0% 12.5% 87.5% Other 84.1% 15.9% 0.0% 50.0% 1.8% 10.7% 25.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.8% 0.0% 7.1% 3.6% 13.6% 86.4% TOTAL 94.1% 5.3% 0.7% 52.6% 1.5% 10.2% 21.9% 0.3% 1.9% 1.7% 1.0% 8.4% 0.6% 41.5% 58.5% Minus Duplicates 32.3% 67.7% Survey Respondents Support/No Support Question 2 - Do you live in Forres ASG? Question 3 - If yes, please select the catchment area below Question 4 - Do you support the relocation of Forres Academy to a site next to Applegrove Primary School? Question 2 - Do you live in Forres ASG? Question 3 - If yes, please select the catchment area below Question 4 - Do you support the relocation of Forres Academy to a site next to Applegrove Primary School? APPENDIX 1E Page 180
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Table 4 Catchment Area Parent/care r Pupil School Staff Member Community Member Community Organisation Other Yes No Other Yes No Forres Academy 250 59 22 170 5 28 479 5 3 216 271 AIves Primary School 7 1 1 5 0 1 15 0 0 6 9 Andersons Primary School 47 2 6 42 1 6 91 0 0 35 56 Applegrove Primary School 109 5 3 86 6 14 191 2 0 66 127 Dallas Primary School 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 2 1 Dyke Primary School 10 3 1 5 0 0 15 1 1 4 13 Kinloss Primary School 9 2 2 3 0 1 16 0 1 10 7 Logie Primary School 9 0 0 1 0 0 10 0 0 9 1 Pilmuir Primary School 56 2 1 21 1 4 80 0 0 39 41 Other 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 5 0 2 4 TOTAL 499 75 38 335 13 56 901 13 5 389 530 Minus Duplicates 273 498 Table 5 Catchment Area Parent/care r Pupil School Staff Member Community Member Community Organisation Other Yes No Other Yes No Forres Academy 46.8% 11.0% 4.1% 31.8% 0.9% 5.2% 98.4% 1.0% 0.6% 44.4% 55.6% AIves Primary School 46.7% 6.7% 6.7% 33.3% 0.0% 6.7% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 40.0% 60.0% Andersons Primary School 45.2% 1.9% 5.8% 40.4% 1.0% 5.8% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 38.5% 61.5% Applegrove Primary School 48.9% 2.2% 1.3% 38.6% 2.7% 6.3% 99.0% 1.0% 0.0% 34.2% 65.8% Dallas Primary School 33.3% 33.3% 0.0% 33.3% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 66.7% 33.3% Dyke Primary School 52.6% 15.8% 5.3% 26.3% 0.0% 0.0% 88.2% 5.9% 5.9% 23.5% 76.5% Kinloss Primary School 52.9% 11.8% 11.8% 17.6% 0.0% 5.9% 94.1% 0.0% 5.9% 58.8% 41.2% Logie Primary School 90.0% 0.0% 0.0% 10.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 90.0% 10.0% Pilmuir Primary School 65.9% 2.4% 1.2% 24.7% 1.2% 4.7% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 48.8% 51.3% Other 16.7% 0.0% 33.3% 16.7% 0.0% 33.3% 16.7% 83.3% 0.0% 33.3% 66.7% TOTAL 49.1% 7.4% 3.7% 33.0% 1.3% 5.5% 98.0% 1.4% 0.5% 42.3% 57.7% Minus Duplicates 35.4% 64.6% Question 1 - Responding as a….. Question 2 - Do you live in Forres ASG? Question 4 - Do you support the relocation of Forres Academy to a site next to Applegrove Primary Question 1 - Responding as a….. Question 2 - Do you live in Forres ASG? Question 4 - Do you support the relocation of Forres Academy to a site next to Applegrove Primary Page 181
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1 Written Responses Received From: Sent: To: Subject: 22 September 2025 12:14 LearningEstate New Forres Academy The majority of Forresians especially those with knowledge of all the problems faced by the present Academy in a similar situaƟon (traffic problems,lack of proper playing fields,lack of adequate recreaƟonal areas, high water table,to name but a few) are appalled that the same dire mistake is being deliberately made by the Council It is not too late to reverse this strange decision and give the children of Forres and area the school they deserve surrounded by wide green areas as has been granted to those aƩending the Elgin secondary schools I find it so hard to accept that once more our children are being disadvantaged by the very people who have been voted in to care for their best interests Sent from my iPad APPENDIX 1F Page 182
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1 From: Sent: To: Subject: 03 November 2025 21:55 LearningEstate Forres Academy Relocation Consultation I am emailing to support the relocation of Forres Academy to the proposed site next to Applegrove Primary School and wish my comments to be considered as part of the consultation being carried out according to the Schools Act 2010. The current building is life expired, sub standard, and in recent years has had to shut at times due to the RAAC issue. This issue has led to areas of the school being put out of action. The proposal involves a new building which will dramatically improve the educational experience of pupils with a modern design based on current educational principles. I understand that there is flexibility built into the new building’s design which could accommodate other local services as indeed happens elsewhere in Scotland. On a personal level I have experience of this at Portree where it works very well. The central location minimises vehicular travel both at the ends of the school day and within it. The majority of pupils in the catchment will be within reasonable walking distance. Other facilities such as the swimming pool and library are close by. Reusing the existing site presents problems, not the least of which is where to accommodate pupils between demolition and completion. There is no reasonable solution which does not have a negative impact on pupils’ education during this period. I hope that the consultation can be concluded and a decision made as soon as reasonably possible. The longer this goes on then the longer that current pupils are negatively impacted by having to use the current building. Page 183
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1 From: Sent: To: Subject: 03 November 2025 10:50 LearningEstate New Forres Academy build Hello, As someone who works at Learning through Landscapes (UK's leading outdoor learning and play charity), who have just collated the 2025 Scottish School Grounds Survey, and who also lives in Forres with children attending Anderson's and Forres Academy, I would like to raise the following question in light of the new plans and reduction of Applegrove green space (school grounds), having done some advisory work with Applegrove and having followed the new build planning. Has there been any consideration for extending their playground through occupying a portion of the adjacent green space on the NE between Orchard and Sanquhar Road? This would address water management issues in this park and replace the green space/play area taken away from Applegrove with the new build. There are already established trees and vegetation in this area creating a natural visual barrier for residents, with the possibility of some of this space remaining for public recreation, with, of course, Grant Park also just around the corner. This would give the Applegrove children much-needed space that has many features to support quality play that is separate from the new Forres Academy. Steps could also be taken to safely adapt and control the delivery entrance of Applegrove to allow circular access around the school for children to freely use the space at break times. I believe these measures will do something to appease the discontent around the loss of space for primary children that this new build will cause. Page 184
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1 From: Sent: To: Subject: > 12 November 2025 16:55 LearningEstate Comments/responses to Proposal to Relocate Forres Academy to Applegrove playing field, for the statutory consalutation Response to Forres Academy Relocation Consultation 18 Sept - 13 Nov 2025 I am totally against relocating Forres Academy to Applegrove Primary school’s playing field. This deprives the primary children of precious green space, the benefits of which are well documented. LOSS OF GREEN SPACE AND TREES i quote Moray Green party Councillor Draeyk van der Horn: “Access to green spaces and clean air alleviates stress and encourages physical activity, while environmental degradation leads to health issues and higher care costs.” To have this councillor now supporting not only building on Applegrove’s grass playing field, but also on common good land treasured and enjoyed by the community for generations is beyond belief. To relocate Forres Academy to this proposed site deprives both Primary school pupils and the community of green space, much needed and enjoyed in a densely housed area. LOSS OF COMMON GOOD We also realise that Learning Estates are putting a misleading, some would say, dishonest, spin on the remaining Roysvale Park area after building a bus/car park on it, by claiming it will be returned to common good, as the reality will be potentially 1500 school pupils using it for sports and outdoor activities. It is also to become a walkway for pupils and staff between the school and carparks, and 3G pitch, and an area for pupils to use at break and lunchtime. So Roysvale Park will change and become the only grass school playing field for two large schools. I can’r get an answer from Mr Hall as to whether dogs will be banned from the area as they have been in Grant Park ,which has signs warning NO DOGS. SCHOOL PLAYING FIELD REDUCTION IN PITCHES Forres Academy will suffer a reduction of school playing field area. Their sports facilities will be reduced to one 3G pitch. The grass pitch on Roysvale does not belong to the school and will have to be booked. It will also have to be booked for use by Applegrove school also. Neither of those schools will have their own playing field. This is a downgrading of the existing large areas available at Sanquhar, and Plasman. SITE TOO SMAll The Applegrove site is too small for the new school building, so that the pupils will spill over onto roads, and are too close to Applegrove playground. The senior pupils need more space. EDUCATION Many primary parents are uncomfortable with older students being in such close proximity to the primary school pupils. The EIS have already pointed out that if there was to be any educational benefit to the primary by siting the academy near Applegrove,.this could have happened before now, as the old academy is situated close by at present The disruption to pupils in both schools during construction (especially Applegrove), is unnecessary. These pupils deserve better. Other towns in Moray have bigger campuses on the edge of town. Fores Academy are having their sports areas diminished, sharing it with Applegrove school and the community and dogs. Their campus is a SPLIT SITE, spread over bits and pieces of land, where areas are separated by roads and a public park. Other schools in Moray have larger campuses within one boundary. Forres Academy is losing out. DANGER This site exposes primary pupils accessing Applegrove to traffic hazards. Learning Estates are happy to pass this responsibility over to Traffic officials to ‘mitigate’. That won’t satisfy primary parents trying to dodge buses exiting the new bus park on a BLIND CORNER at the junction of Nelson Road and Sanquhar Road to access Applegrove, , when it is deemed too dangerous for senior pupils to cross Burdsyard Road , so they need to build a new drop off on Sanquhar Road so that senior pupils can access the school safely without crossing roads. Page 185
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2 By concentrating 3 schools in a small area in FORRES this will lead to concentrating more traffic problems in our attractive country town. FLOODING, VIBRATION, SUBSIDENCE I do not agree with using the site of the new school to facilitate improving the drainage in this area of the town. If the money for improving drains is coming from the school budget, that is unacceptable. If the money is not coming from the school budget, it can be done anyway, regardless of where the school is built PLEASE ALSO take note of the previous consultation responses which many of the community took the time to complete. QUESTION What will the council be deciding in February 2026 after this consultation, when the council have already made the decision to relocate to Applegrove playing field? Please acknowledge receipt of this email. Page 186
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1 From: Sent: To: Subject: > 13 November 2025 02:01 LearningEstate Objection to Relocation of Forres Academy to Applegrove/Roysvale Site Dear Learning Estates Unfortunately the relocation survey does not seem to work. Please accept my email as a return. I wish to formally object to the proposed relocation of Forres Academy to the Applegrove/Roysvale site. While the intention to modernise educational provision in Forres is understandable, the current proposal presents significant planning, environmental, and educational deficiencies that render the site unsuitable for development in its present form. 1.Loss of Educational and Community Space The proposal would result in a substantial loss of outdoor space for Applegrove Primary School, directly impacting its pupils’ access to safe play and learning areas. The reduction in usable green space contradicts the long-established principles of providing adequate outdoor facilities for primary education. This not only compromises the welfare and physical development of younger pupils but also erodes a key element of the school’s community identity. Furthermore, the shared site would place competing demands on limited space, generating operational and safety conflicts between the two schools. 2.Non-Compliance with the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1967 The development appears to contravene the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1967, which set out minimum standards for playing field provision. When both the relocated Forres Academy and existing Applegrove Primary are considered together, the available area falls below the statutory requirements for each institution’s pupil roll. This raises serious questions about the project’s compliance with education legislation and its long-term sustainability. 3.Overdevelopment and Site Unsuitability The proposed footprint and massing of the new school represent a clear case of overdevelopment. The design attempts to fit a secondary-scale campus into a constrained urban site primarily designed for primary-level use. The resulting density would produce excessive hard surfacing, limited circulation space, and minimal green buffer between school buildings and adjacent residential areas. This overdevelopment undermines the spatial balance required for safe pupil movement, outdoor learning, and recreation, as well as the quality of the local environment. 4.Misrepresentation of Visual Impacts Page 187
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2 The visual material presented in the consultation and planning documents does not accurately reflect the scale and prominence of the proposed development. The use of stylised renderings and selective viewpoints appears to understate the building’s mass and dominance within the surrounding landscape. The absence of accurate visual modelling from key viewpoints—particularly from the Sanquhar Road corridor and residential properties—has misled both the public and decision-makers regarding the true visual and environmental impact of the proposal. 5. Transport, Access, and Safety Concerns The relocation would significantly increase traffic volumes on Sanquhar Road, a route already under strain at peak times. The limited access and parking provision, combined with the proximity to a primary school, would exacerbate congestion and create unacceptable risks to child safety. These effects are contrary to local and national planning policies promoting safe, sustainable, and active travel, particularly for school environments. 6. Environmental and Flood Risk Considerations The proposed site lies within or adjacent to a known flood risk area, as identified by SEPA. The planning submission does not demonstrate sufficient mitigation to address this, nor does it show how flood resilience would be achieved without displacing risk onto neighbouring properties or public spaces. 7. Loss of Common Good Land for Bus Lane Development The proposal includes the use of Common Good land to construct a new bus access lane, despite existing and suitable bus parking already available on Burdyard Road. This represents an unnecessary and unjustified loss of public land held in trust for the community. It conflicts with the principle that Common Good assets should only be used when no reasonable alternative exists, and only when demonstrably in the community’s interest. In this case, such justification has not been provided. The unnecessary use of this land raises concerns about both transparency and stewardship of public assets. In summary, this proposal is fundamentally flawed in planning, educational, and environmental terms. For these reasons, I respectfully request that Moray Council refuses this application or, at minimum, commissions an independent review of site suitability, educational standards compliance, and the accuracy of environmental and visual representations.- Please confirm receipt of this email and that it will be considered as part of the process. Page 188
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1 From: Sent: To: Subject: > 13 November 2025 19:46 LearningEstate Forres Academy Relocation Consultation Comment Dear Sir/Madam, I aƩended the event on 4th Nov 25 and would like to provide the following comments based on the Schools (ConsultaƟon) (Scotland) Act 2010 related to Forres Academy. I answer on the basis of being a parent within catchment for Forres Academy. I do not support the planned development for the following reasons: - Proposed outdoor space does not meet the school premises general requirements and standards scotland regulaƟons 1967. The Roysvale site does not comprise a dedicated sports field for the school as the public has access to the site due to CGL status. This area of ground has been double counted with the allocaƟon of pitches to Applegrove Primary and I feel the two schools will be compeƟng for sports pitch space, with potenƟal for 1600 pupils demanding use of this park and a 3G pitch. When quesƟoning the maƩer on 4th Nov I was not saƟsfied with the answer that this could be solved with a Ɵmetable. Aside from sports pitches, I think the outside space within the new academy site is also too small. This will cause behavioural problems at break and lunch Ɵmes through overcrowding. - Roysvale is not fenced and the hazards associated with balls migraƟng onto Sanqhar Rd are unacceptable. When quesƟoning this issue I was not saƟsfied with the parallel drawn with Anderson’s and Grant Park; that situaƟon is not a sound basis for modelling a site for Forres Academy given the burden placed on the Anderson’s staff. The sports pitch is also much further from the road than will be the case with Roysvale. Despite there being no fence policy, I am also concerned about the lack of a fence to safely contain sports acƟviƟes. - I am concerned about the traffic plan, parƟcularly aŌer construcƟon. The only survey completed was conducted on a single day in the summer. I think the reality is that wet days, parƟcularly in winter will cause problems on Orchard Rd where accidents are more likely due to congesƟon and illegal parking from parents dropping off or picking up children. This is already a problem at Applegrove and will be worsened with colocaƟon of Forres Academy. Orchard Rd and Orchard Rd car park are the most obvious points to drop off. The proposed school car park and parent dropping off locaƟon by the pool is a detour, too far from the school and won’t be widely used. - I am uncomfortable with the concept of SIMULTANEOUS community use of the facility during school hours. When quesƟoning this I was not saƟsfied with the response that school staff would be responsible to safeguard the children. Parallels were drawn with current school use of the library in Forres House; this adds a supervisory burden to the teaching staff. It would be more appropriate to segregate the library from the public during school hours. Sharing sports faciliƟes would present a similar challenge. Opening up the faciliƟes outside school hours is a welcome addiƟon, but not if Forres House is closed in the future as seems likely based on my aƩendance of meeƟngs such as the Forres Community Council. Despite assurances that Forres Police StaƟon is not planning to move to the site, I want assurances that this would not happen in the future, which could not be guaranteed on 4th November. I support some of the other alternaƟves highlighted in the document. Namely accepƟng the increased cost of providing temporary accommodaƟon and flood miƟgaƟon as part of a rebuild on the exisƟng site. This would address the pressing need for a new school much sooner than the October 2028 plan. The alternaƟve site would be my next preference although this introduces a problem with lack of a central site. I feel both of these alternaƟves offer fewer problems than the proposed development. Please acknowledge receipt of my comments. Page 189
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Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 Report by HMIE addressing educational aspects of the proposal by Moray Council to relocate Forres Academy. November 2025 APPENDIX 1G Page 190
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1 | Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 Moray Council © Crown Copyright 1. Introduction 1.1 This report from HMIE has been prepared by His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education (HM Inspectors) in accordance with the terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 (“the 2010 Act”). The purpose of the report is to provide an independent and impartial consideration of a proposal by Moray Council to relocate Forres Academy. Section 2 of the report sets out brief details of the consultation process. Section 3 of the report sets out HM Inspectors’ consideration of the educational aspects of the proposal, including significant views expressed by consultees. Section 4 summarises HM Inspectors’ view. Upon receipt of this report, the Act requires the council to consider it alongside any relevant considerations the council received and then prepare its consultation report. The council’s consultation report should include this report and must contain an explanation of how, in finalising the proposal, it has reviewed the initial proposal, including a summary of points raised during the consultation process and the council’s response to them. The council has to publish its consultation report at least three weeks before it takes its final decision. With all proposals the council needs to follow all statutory obligations set out in the 2010 Act. 1.2 HM Inspectors considered: • the likely effects of the proposal for children and young people of the schools; any other users; children likely to become pupils within two years of the date of publication of the proposal paper; and other children and young people in the council area; • any other likely effects of the proposal; • how the council intends to minimise or avoid any adverse effects that may arise from the proposal; and • the educational benefits the council believes will result from implementation of the proposal, and the council’s reasons for coming to these beliefs. 1.3 In preparing this report, HM Inspectors undertook the following activities: • attendance at the public meetings held on 29 October and 4 November 2025 in connection with the council’s proposals; • consideration of all relevant documentation provided by the council in relation to the proposal, specifically the educational benefits statement and related consultation documents, written and oral submissions from parents and others; and • visits to the sites of Alves, Applegrove, Kinloss, Pilmuir and Anderson’s Primary Schools and Forres Academy, including discussion with relevant consultees. 2. Consultation process 2.1 Moray Council undertook the consultation on its proposal with reference to the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. The consultation ran from 18 September until 13 November 2025. The council made the proposal widely available including sending emails to parents and carers and having the proposal online. Moray Council held a meeting for parents in Forres Academy on 29 October 2025 and a further public meeting on 4 November 2025. An additional online meeting took place on 6 November 2025. An online survey was available. There were 687 responses. Forty-three percent (296) of respondents supported the proposal, agreeing with Page 191
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2 | Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 Moray Council © Crown Copyright the central location, the retention of current travel arrangements and the need to build the new school as quickly as possible. This includes a majority, 55% (187), of the parents and carers who responded. Fifty-seven percent (391) of respondents did not support the proposal. Stakeholders raised a range of issues at the meetings and through the survey. These included concerns about the loss of Applegrove Primary School’s playing field, anticipated issues with traffic and parking, and previous issues with flooding. A minority of stakeholders who oppose the proposal (18%) are concerned at the potential impact of the new building on local residents, this includes 76% of local residents. In particular, they raised concerns that the location of the new building could impact negatively on those living in Veteran Housing Scotland cottages nearby. The council has indicated that its project delivery team will continue to engage with veterans and support organisations to address their concerns. In preparing its final report, the council should detail how it plans to mitigate concerns about the impact on local residents and continue consultation with stakeholders as the project progresses. 2.2 The council distributed a pupil survey, involving eight local primary schools. Twenty-six classes, representing more than 600 children, completed the survey. Children identified improved transition to secondary school, the chance to see their older friends more regularly and the central location as the main advantages to the proposal. They thought that a smaller grass area, older pupils setting a bad example and noise from the new secondary would be the main disadvantages. 3. Educational aspects of proposal 3.1 Moray Council carried out a consultation and options appraisal on potential sites for a new Forres Academy building in the spring of 2024. In its final report, the council should further clarify its reasons for selecting the proposed site. The proposal is for a new and improved building to be constructed on green space adjacent to Applegrove Primary School, immediately to the north of its current location. A detailed design of the new building is under development. The council shared an artist’s impression of the building within its surroundings and a draft landscaping plan at the public meetings. The new build is part of the Scottish Government Learning Estate Investment Programme, which will only fund the project if agreed outcomes are demonstrated. These outcomes include zero emissions heating, energy efficiency and use of materials that reduce construction embodied carbon design. The build approach must therefore be sustainable. 3.2 Moray Council anticipates that the building design will provide a modern, high-quality learning environment. It further asserts that the design will promote wellbeing and inclusion. It will do this by meeting the needs of all learners and providing accessible spaces inside and outside the building. This provision will include those with more challenging additional support needs who will be accommodated in well considered accessible facilities that will support them from their arrival on site, throughout the day. The council considered outdoor learning in the draft landscaping plan, which includes an eco-garden and food technology garden. There may be other outdoor learning opportunities in the area that contains the pitch and running track. These will need to be confirmed in the final design for the new school. The council is aware that effective consultation about learning environments, direct engagement with learners and communities about their needs and experiences, and their ongoing involvement in decision making processes will be vital to its success. Where appropriate, the council should continue to consult stakeholders about internal designs and schemes. HM Inspectors agree there are educational benefits to this proposal. However, HMIE are clear that these educational benefits are dependent on the final build of the new school. Page 192
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3 | Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 Moray Council © Crown Copyright 3.3 Collaborative working between Forres Academy and associated primary schools is already positive, and the proposed location of the new building is physically closer to them. This has the potential to make the secondary school campus more accessible to primary staff and children. They should then be able to take advantage of its specialist facilities, including those in science, home economics and physical education, such as the proposed sports pitches and running track. 3.4 All stakeholders who meet HM Inspectors, agree that a new school is required. Stakeholders who support the proposal approve of this central location and note that it will not have any negative impact on current travel arrangements for pupils. However, a significant minority of stakeholders are concerned at the use of a site within the Applegrove Primary School boundary to rebuild Forres Academy. They note that this land is currently used by the school and its pupils for recreation, sports days and fire drills. They are concerned this proposal will reduce the green space available to the school, and it will be replaced by a large secondary school which will be in very close proximity to. The council agrees that the land which Applegrove occupies was originally designated as ‘Common Good.’ However, this land has been council-owned since the late 1950s. The adjacent Roysvale Park is ‘Common Good.’ A number of areas in it have been identified for long term appropriation (bus drop off) or short-term use (site management). These have been detailed within the ‘Common Good’ consultation and will be the subject of a future court application. The council further notes that the current Applegrove total site area is 29,410m2 which will reduce to 13,465m2 with the proposed new Forres Academy build. This is in excess of the 12,140m2 requirement set out in the 1967 legislation. In preparing its final report, the council should clarify which aspects of the proposal still require legislative agreement and detail how it is going to continue consultation with stakeholders as the project progresses. 3.5 A minority of stakeholders are concerned about the potential for increased traffic and parking in the area. They have worry that secondary school parents will drop off and pick up their children in areas that are already very busy at the beginning and end of each school day. The council has undertaken a transport survey as part of the planning application. As planned, the council project team should continue consultation with stakeholders and liaise with transport colleagues about any residents’ issues, including parking. 3.6 A minority of stakeholders are concerned about the potential for drainage issues in the proposed area for the new school building. They have concerns that ongoing flooding problems in the current academy building will continue. The council’s Planning Application submission provides detail on site drainage improvements which includes a dedicated new rainwater sewer to reduce water entering the combined sewer in the future. In preparing its final report, the council should detail how it is going to mitigate concerns about drainage and continue consultation with stakeholders as the project progresses. 3.7 During the consultation period the council was notified of alleged inaccuracies or omissions in the proposal. The council will need to ensure that it takes the necessary steps to investigate these alleged inaccuracies or omissions. In its consultation report, the council will need to set out the actions it has taken to address any alleged inaccuracies and omissions notified to it. Page 193
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4 | Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 Moray Council © Crown Copyright 4. Summary HM Inspectors agree that there are potential educational benefits to this proposal. That these are dependent on the final design and build of the new school. Whilst all stakeholders agree with the need for a new Forres Academy building, there is a clear division of views regarding the site for this. Moray Council should explain further the reasons for selecting this central site in its final report. It should clarify which aspects of the proposal still need legislative agreement. In preparing its final report, the council should also detail how it is going to mitigate concerns about the impact on local residents and how it will continue consultation with stakeholders as the project progresses. In its consultation report, the council will need to set out the actions it has taken to address any alleged inaccuracies and omissions notified to it. HM Inspectors November 2025 Page 194
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APPENDIX 2 INTEGRATED IMPACT ASSESSMENT COVERING • EQUALITIES & SOCIO ECONOMIC DUTIES • HUMAN RIGHTS AND RIGHTS OF THE CHILD DATE UPDATES/EXECUTIVE SUMMARY VERSION DETAILS Insert Date (e.g. 03/10/2023) Add brief notes/highlight which section amended (e.g. first draft of IIA completed and submitted to SFC 25/10/2023 for consideration; noting that further work on Stage 2 will be required). Insert (ShP) Version Info (when details have been agreed) (e.g. 5.0 03/10/2023 11:21 AMcL) 4/6/2024 1st Draft IIA V1.0 23/07/2025 Revised IIA to inform ECLS Committee 15 Sept. 2025 to approve statutory consultation. EOO input. V2.0 06/01/2026 Updated IIA to include consultation and engagement information and outcomes V3.0 STAGE 1 - DO I NEED AN INTEGRATED IMPACT ASSESSMENT? Name of policy or proposal: Proposed Relocation of Forres Academy Is this a Mark X below New activity, programme or policy? ✓ Change to an existing activity, programme or policy? Budget proposal? Duties: tick the boxes you think apply No Maybe Yes Equalities: Will your proposal have an impact on groups with protected characteristics? Consider the impact of your proposal on people and how they access your services and information without barriers. ✓ Socio-economic Not every person/family has access to regular income or savings. Will your proposal have an adverse impact on them ✓ Does your proposal impact on the human rights of people? ✓ Does your proposal impact on the rights of children and young people ✓ Reasoning - Briefly describe your reasoning for the responses given above: The proposal for the relocation and replacement of Forres Academy will have potential impact(s) on pupils, parents, carers, staff and community within the Forres Academy and Applegrove Primary / Roysvale catchment area in relation to different protected characteristics as well as a range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Consideration of human rights and the rights of the child will also need incorporated. If you have answered “maybe” or “yes” to any of the Stage 1 questions above, then proceed to complete the Stage 2 Integrated Impact Assessment questions below. Page 195
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SPFINANCE-565096732-34 02/02/2026 10:30 If you have answered “no” to the Stage 1 questions above, then provide the details below and submit to [email] Lead Officer for developing the contract Other people involved in the screening (this may be council staff, partners or others i.e. contractor or community) Date STAGE 2: INTEGRATED IMPACT ASSESSMENT 1. Briefly describe what the service does: Forres Academy delivers education to young people aged 12-18. Due to the school being assessed as ‘life expired and / or at serious risk of imminent failure’, the proposal is to build a new fit for purpose school on a new identified location in Forres to address this and any associated health and safety issues. This is expected to positively impact all pupils, staff and community in the ASG area, benefiting from a significantly improved, health and safety compliant learning environment promoting wellbeing and accessibility, all of which support better pupil outcomes. The new location was assessed in line with the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), creating connected and compact neighbourhoods where people can meet the majority of their daily needs within a reasonable distance of their home, preferably by walking, wheeling or cycling or using sustainable transport options. 2. Who are your main stakeholders? Forres Academy staff, pupils, parents / caregivers Applegrove Primary staff, pupils, parents / caregivers Forres Community, particularly those living on the periphery of the proposed site. 3. What changes as a result of the proposals? Is the service reduced or removed? Following a comprehensive feasibility study that concluded the best option was to build a new school on the Applegrove/Roysvale site, a physical location change for Forres Academy is now part of the proposal. This means a period of statutory consultation, and if approved loss of some green space (part of Roysvale Park, Applegrove PS field). No educational service is reduced or removed. Further or different travel may be required by those affected. Primary school children and secondary school children will have more integration due to being located next to each other and using the same facilities. 4. How will this affect your customers? A new modern school will enhance: • inclusion, accessibility, condition, facilities as well as health and safety; • provide a high quality, diverse learning and teaching environment offering flexibility for range of school and extra-curricular activities at Forres Academy and Applegrove Primary where appropriate; Page 196
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SPFINANCE-565096732-34 02/02/2026 10:30 • opportunity for all learners to achieve across all curricular areas and develop skills, attributes and capabilities through courses aligned with the design principles of Curriculum for Excellence • links with the existing primary school to create a 5-18 community campus, enhances the sporting provision for the community and retains the school within a central location accessible to all. ASN Pupils Under the Equality Act 2010 education providers must not treat disabled pupils less favourably and should take reasonable steps to avoid putting disabled pupils at a substantial disadvantage. Any existing arrangements in place for pupils with additional support needs within the school will continue and be enhanced at the new site. 5. Impact on staff providing the service Providing a new building with shared and flexible learning spaces will encourage staff to work collaboratively and provide more opportunities for pupils to work co-operatively, supporting depth, pace and challenge in learning. It will support pupil attainment, staff recruitment and retention, parental engagement and pupil, staff and community wellbeing. 6. Please indicate if these apply to any of the protected characteristics Protected groups Potential impacts and considerations Race Potential Negative Impact – Lack of understanding or feeding into statutory consultation due to language barriers. Disability Potential Negative Impacts to pupils, staff, parents / caregivers and / or community: • ASN - Change of location and environment may create challenges for ASN individuals. • Physical disabilities - Change of location and environment may create challenges • Mental health considerations - Change of location and environment may create challenges Carers (for elderly, disabled or minors) Potential Impact as above at disability in supporting those to deal with challenges. Sex N/A - Individual toilet and changing facilities included in design and planning stages. Pregnancy and maternity (including breastfeeding) N/A – Provision of suitable areas included in design and planning stages. Sexual orientation N/A Age (include children, young people, midlife and older people) Potential Impact – Majority of those affected are young people aged 12-18. Consideration needed in terms of sharing the site with Applegrove Primary re 5-18 integration. Staff, parent / caregivers and community members may also be affected if community access is encouraged in new facility. Page 197
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SPFINANCE-565096732-34 02/02/2026 10:30 Religion, and or belief N/A - inclusive curriculum and communication respectful of cultural differences. Proposals support spaces that reflect diversity Gender reassignment Gender specific toilets and changing provision with individual toilet and changing provision provided to ensure inclusivity and safety. Accessible WC’s provided around the school. Toilets designed to be anti-bullying spaces with floor to ceiling cubicles. The changing provision is mainly individual changing cubicles with a small provision of individual showering cubicles. Inequalities arising from socio- economic differences N/A – No impact. Proposed new site is one block away from current location. Free school travel will continue to be provided in accordance with the current transportation policy. Human rights List of convention rights Describe, where applicable, if and how specific rights are engaged Article 5: Right to liberty and security N/A Article 6: Right to a fair trial N/A Article 8: Right to respect for private and family life, correspondence and the home Potential Negative Impact – surrounding community to the build site may feel this is affected during the construction phase due to noise, increased traffic. Article 10: Freedom of expression The statutory consultation period, in line with the Schools (Consultation)(Scotland) Act 2010, supports the right to be consulted, views heard and considered. Article 11: Freedom of assembly and association N/A Article 12: Right to marry N/A Article 14: Prohibition of discrimination (in relation to the convention rights) The proposal and IIA supports this right in terms of identifying any discrimination impacts and mitigations to eliminate them. Article 1 of Protocol 1: Protection of property N/A Article 2 of Protocol 1: Right to education The proposal fully supports the right to education Article 3 of Protocol 1: Right to free elections by secret ballot N/A Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Relevant articles – UNCRC Page 198
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SPFINANCE-565096732-34 02/02/2026 10:30 Article 2 – Non discrimination The proposal and IIA supports this right in terms of identifying any discrimination impacts and mitigations to eliminate them. Article 3.1 – Best interest of the child The proposal will support this right through an enhanced, accessible educational experience and environment while delivering improved outcomes. Article 6.2 – Right to survival and development The proposal supports this right in terms of providing and environment to help them develop and reach their full potential. Article 12 – Respect of the views of the child Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered. The young people directly affected will be specifically included during the statutory consultation supporting this right. Article 23 – Children with a disability The proposal supports this right by providing a fully accessible and inclusive school building. Article 28 – Right to education – not to be denied access to the existing educational system Supports this right Article 31 – Right to leisure, play and culture – promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, recreational and leisure activity. Supports this right through alternative green space for Applegrove Primary during and after construction phase. The final outcome of the proposal fully supports and enhances this right through the inclusion of vast sports, recreational, learning and wellbeing facilities as part of the design and planning stage. These facilities will be available for other schools within the ASG as well as the wider community. 7. Evidence. What information have you used to make your assessment? Performance data Forres Academy school condition and suitability assessments Internal consultation Consulted with: Head Teacher Forres Academy, Head of Education, Quality Improvement Officer, Finance, Programme Manager School Learning Estate, Transportation, Property and Maintenance, Strategic Development, Legal, Consultancy, Equal Opportunities Officer Consultation with affected groups December 2023 - Design charettes were carried out with school staff, pupils and members of the community. Community groups invited to attend these sessions included representatives from all associated community councils, all associated parent councils, Leanchoil Trust, FACT, Community Football Trust, Forres Skate Park, Forres Community Sports Hub. The outcomes of the charettes were detailed and incorporated into the proposed design. March-April 2024 – Initial non-statutory engagement sessions were undertaken regarding site location. Page 199
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SPFINANCE-565096732-34 02/02/2026 10:30 September-November 2024 - Common Good consultation was carried out. December 2024 – Forres Academy Parent Council Meeting attended and an update on project progress provided. June - August 2025 - Undertook statutory pre application notice (PAN) planning consultation. This was split into 2 public sessions: • 24 June 2025 • 19 August 2025. September 2025 – Planning application submitted with initial expiry date for comments 4 November 2025. Due to additional information being submitted in support of the planning application this date was extended to 23 December 2025. September 2025 – Forres Academy Community Spaces Information Evening held at Forres Academy September 2025 – meeting with veterans held at Erskine Veterans Activity Centre, Forres to facilitate discussions on the proposed new build. This has led to ongoing meetings being arranged with this group. Two meetings have been held to date with agreed actions as follows: a walk-round of Nairn Academy to be scheduled in the new year (2026); residents compiling lists of outstanding questions; residents preparing personal impact statements for Balfour Beatty’s Community Impact Plan. September - November 2025 – statutory relocation consultation undertaken, with two public meetings held at Forres Academy (29th October and 4 November 2025) with an additional online meeting held on the evening of 6 November 2025. A survey was also available on Moray Engage for those who wished to share their views. A meeting was also held on 29th September with a parent group at Applegrove Primary School to allow pre-discussions on the relocation consultation and wider project. Page 200
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SPFINANCE-565096732-34 02/02/2026 10:30 November 2025 – Petition on Common Good submitted to the Court of Session November 2025 – Forres Academy Parent Council meeting attended and an update on project progress provided, Feedback from non-statutory community engagement and statutory consultation included concerns over loss of common good land, presumed increase of flooding risk, increase traffic issues, impact on school pupils and the community during construction. These were all reviewed and mitigations proposed and included within the planning application. In addition, the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) page on the council website was updated at pertinent intervals providing answers to questions. The planning application was discussed and approved at the Planning and Regulatory Services Committee meeting on 14 January 2026. There were 41 conditions applied which will require to be met. January 2026 – received court interlocutor confirming the dates for the procedural and substantive hearings, which have been fixed for 12 February and 5 March 2026 respectively. If the court hearing is in favour of the Council further consultation will require to be undertaken in respect of the Town & Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1959. This Act requires the local authority to publish a notice of the proposed appropriation in a newspaper for at least two consecutive weeks and consider any objections made. Local statistics School roll forecasting (which take account of birth rates and housing buildout rates) figures are: Although yet to be formally released, the updated school roll forecast taking account of the September 2025 census data, shown in table below, confirms that there is no significant change from previous years forecast Forres Academy Year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Total Roll 816 835 851 821 873 845 836 874 878 870 881 881 888 Actual Forecast Page 201
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SPFINANCE-565096732-34 02/02/2026 10:30 SIMD data National statistics Other 8. Evidence gaps Do you need additional information in order to complete the information in the previous questions? No 9. Mitigating action Can the impact of the proposed policy/activity be mitigated? Please explain The impacts are designed to be positive across the catchment. Any identified negative impacts from above can be mitigated as follows: • ASN Pupils - The new Forres Academy building design has a dedicated Enhanced Additional Support Need accommodation to support up to 40 young people. The overall mainstream school design has considered and incorporated further ASN and Support for Learning spaces to support mainstream inclusion. • Familiarisation - During the project there is a programme of familiarisation, induction and enhanced communication and transition for all but particularly ASN. This includes site visits to help alleviate any anxieties and become familiar with the new school at an early stage. • Physical disabilities – The new Forres Academy design complies with all planning requirements in terms of accessibility. The project has been made aware of specific PTSD related issues and will look to provide reasonable mitigation measures during construction which will include advance notice of particularly disruptive activities, adjusted working hours if required, use of quieter equipment or noise dampening barriers, good and clear communication with local residents. In addition, meetings have been organised with the veterans to keep them appraised of the project and listen to concerns. • Loss of Green Space and partial loss of common good land during construction only – The Roysvale play park and football pitch will remain fully accessible during Page 202
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SPFINANCE-565096732-34 02/02/2026 10:30 construction. The majority of common good land will be returned post construction with a small area utilised for a bus drop off. • 5-18 integration – timetabling and scheduling to be considered and used to minimise and avoid any potential issues. • Construction Concerns (noise, traffic, mess) - Construction would be bound by planning conditions and health & safety legislation. During planning there is a requirement to provide a construction traffic management plan which covers key issues on site: Keeping pedestrians and vehicles apart, Minimising vehicle movements, People on site, Turning vehicles, Visibility, Signs and instructions. Planning conditions would state what hours of work would be permitted which would take into account noise. A construction impact assessment would also be required. • Barriers to statutory consultation – consultation materials will be provided in alternative formats where necessary. The proposal considers and complies with the Equality Act 2010, Curriculum for Excellence, Getting it Right for Every Child – GIRFEC and UNCRC. 10. Justification If nothing can be done to reduce the negative impact(s) but the proposed policy/activity must go ahead, what justification is there to continue with the change? The new build Forres Academy at Applegrove / Roysvale site represents a significant opportunity to promote equity and inclusion. While the IIA has identified potential impacts, mitigations are also identified to minimise these impacts and ensure all pupils, staff, parents / carers, community and stakeholders can benefit equally from the new facility. SECTION 3 CONCLUDING THE IIA 1. No potential negative impacts found for any protected groups. 2. Some potential positive impacts have been identified. The impacts relate to: ✓ Reducing discrimination, harassment, victimisation or other conduct prohibited under the Equality Act 2010 Promoting equality of opportunity Fostering good relations 3. The proposals interfere with human rights and/or the rights of the child ✓ 4. Negative impacts can be mitigated as outlined in Q9. ✓ 5. The negative impacts cannot be fully mitigated but are justified as Q10. 6. Further consultation with affected groups is needed. ✓ 7. It is advised not to go ahead with the proposals. Page 203
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SPFINANCE-565096732-34 02/02/2026 10:30 Decision - Set out the rationale for deciding whether or not to proceed with the proposed actions: The relocation and replacement of Forres Academy will provide a modern, accessible, inclusive and sustainable learning environment that supports the academic, social, and emotional development of all young people in the catchment area. To be presented at ECLS Committee on 11 February 2026 to help inform decision on statutory relocation consultation and 25 February for Council final decision. The IIA will continue to evolve during the lifetime of the consultation and project with consultation feedback further informing the IIA at that stage. Final version will be submitted with Full Business Case to Council – planned for 6 May 2026 Date of Decision: 25 February 2025 Sign off and authorisation: Service Education, Communities & Organisational Development Department Learning Estates Policy/activity subject to IIA Proposed relocation of Forres Academy We have completed the integrated impact assessment for this policy/activity. Name: Shona Leese Position: Senior Project Officer Date: 30 January 2026 Authorisation by head of service Name: Edward Thomas Position: Head of Housing, Property & Communities Date: 30 January 2026 Permission to publish on website – YES Page 204