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Threat To Biblical Garden, Elgin

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Tuvok | 09:39 Fri 22nd Feb 2019 | ChatterBank
7 Answers
I've been asked by a friend to spread the word on the threat to the Biblical Garden in Elgin.
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The Horticulture dept. (of Moray College) run their classes at the Biblical gardens next to Elgin Cathedral from school pupils through to HNC courses and have successfully maintained and developed the gardens in a real life working environment in partnership with the Friends of the Biblical Garden. (http://biblicalgardenelgin.co.uk)

Moray Council has submitted a proposal to knock down one of the teaching Portacabins and all of green houses, potting sheds, tool sheds, poly tunnels and replace it with a 4-5 star hotel in the walled area of Cooper Park.

Please support us, by objecting on this link https://online.moray.gov.uk/form/auto/mldp_proposed_plan

The more support we get, the more likely we will be able to save this much needed facility.

The added urgency is that the deadline is by 5pm on 15th March 2019 so in the words of Lord Kitchener “Your garden needs you now!”

Info for the form :
Name of town: Elgin Central
Site ref: OPP 11
Site Name: Walled Garden

More info on page 143: http://www.moray.gov.uk/downloads/file123066.pdf

Here is the coverage from the local Northern Scot newspaper:

Fears have been expressed that Elgin's popular Biblical Gardens will close if plans go ahead to sell the land next door.

The neighbouring plot of land is currently occupied by greenhouses, potting sheds, polytunnels and tool sheds which are used by the team who tend the garden - a mix of volunteers and horticulture students.

However, Moray Council is currenty looking into the possibility of selling the plot so developers could build a four or five-star hotel there.

Labelled "opportunity site 11'; is included in the draft version of the council's local development plan for the year 2020.

The public now has less than month to register its views on the proposal.

Alison Walton, who is studying horticulture at Moray College, is part of a campaign to keep the plot as it is now.

She said: "Should we lose this land, it's difficult to see how the gardens could survive in their present form, if at all. We need the greenhouses next door in order to grow plants from seeds and cuttings. Without them we would simply be unable to afford the large number of plants needed for the floral displays in the gardens. The Biblical Gardens are a special place for many local people. On top of that, they are also important for helping to attract visitors - they really compliment the cathedral. There are also further implications for young people wishing to enter the horticulture industry. Moray College is the only place in the north-east who offer horticulture studies. If the department were to close due to lack of premises, the nearest available courses would be in the central belt or Argyll.”

With 44,000 visitors to the vicinity each year the gardens are one of Elgin's top attractions.

Miss Walton added: "They were opened in 1996 and got . their name because they contain 110 different types of plants which are all mentioned somewhere within the pages of the Bible. But you don't need to know anything about that to appreciate how beautiful they are. We want people to make their feelings clear on this matter. We want them to contact the council before March 15.”

Moray College currently pays rent to the council for the neighbouring plot. During term time the 28 horticulture students tend the Gardens. During the summer holidays the Friends of the Biblical Gardens group then takes over.

Greenfingers Training Services which works with adults with learning difficulties also make extensive use of the facilities contained upon the plot of land.

Therefore, to register any views on the proposals, email [email protected]

Give the site's reference "OPP11 The Walled Garden”

Alternatively, write - to Moray Council, Development Services (Development Plans), High Street, Elgin, IV30 9BX.

Deadline: Spm on Friday, 15 March
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Done. Good luck, i'm all about community gardens.
Sorry to hear this beautiful garden is under threat. I have visited many times and it is just a tranquil haven that you could spend hours in. Will make contact and spread the word.
Done from me too, the gardens should be left as they are.
Done ❀
Question Author
Thanks all - keep spreading the word.
Done, I hope enough support is raised.
Done. Good luck.

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