Moray Councillors have heeded the concerns of Labour Councillor John Divers by refusing planning permission to a development on grounds that it might undermine flood alleviation in the area. The Elgin flood alleviation scheme cost £86m and is one of the most expensive ever undertaking in Scotland.

Aberdeen and Northern Estates had wanted to transform its former mart in New Elgin into a housing estate with a restaurant and more than 100 homes.

They also confirmed that funding will not be available to ease concerns about this issue until 2022 at the earliest.

Homes on Linkwood Road and New Elgin Road, which both border the site, were seriously damaged by a deluge that resulted in 60 days of rain falling in just 24 hours in 2002.

And the region has fallen victim to severe weather on a regular basis.

Last night, Elgin City South councillor John Divers explained he backed the principal of a housing development on the land, but opposed it due to the lack of information.

He added:

“That area of land hasn’t been known as Springfield for nothing, all you need to do is walk across it after it’s been raining to see the problems.

“It would be better to see the land get used, there’s no doubt about that, but if the developers don’t come forward with the adequate information then they’ve only got themselves to blame – it’s as simple as that.”