Moray Councillors have approved a major extension for St Giles Shopping Centre in Elgin.

The development, which is being led by Robertson Property and Upland Investments, will see the centre increase by almost two-thirds in size as a result. The adjoining bus station will also be redeveloped under the plans.

Members of the Council's Planning and Regulatory Services Committee welcomed the application, saying it would provide a much-needed economic boost for the town and its retail sector.

They added that no additional parking provision would be included in the development after the applicants highlighted the under-utilisation of the adjacent multi-storey car park, while the improvements for the bus station would encourage more people to use public transport.

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Committee Chairman Councillor Douglas Ross said: "This development is a major boost to Elgin High Street and I hope it will have a positive impact on other independent shops and retailers by attracting more people into the centre of Elgin.

"There was clearly a split in the committee over whether to push for additional car parking spaces or a financial contribution of several hundred thousand pounds in lieu of these. There was a real risk that this extra cost to be borne by the developer could have put the entire project in jeopardy and given the potential to attract more people into Elgin and the opportunities to further economic development in Elgin that was too big a risk to take when we already have car parks with empty spaces most of the time.

"I hope this application can now move to construction and a final building as quickly as possible so local people and visitors can access the new shops located in the centre and then continue their shopping on the High Street and adjoining lanes to ensure everyone gains from this development."

(JP/CD)