New state-of-the-art sports, leisure and community facilities for Banff and Macduff continue to progress after Councillors in Aberdeenshire agreed to move to planning approval for the project.

It is understood the Council's Policy & Resources Committee, agreed to proceed to the formal planning application for the facilities at Banff Sporting Complex, Myrus Sports Complex and Macduff Arts Centre.

In addition to the above, work will also start to prepare tenders for the construction of the facilities and to prepare a bid to the Court of Session for the Common Good Order.

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Welcoming the decision, Chair of Policy & Resources and Leader of the Council Jim Gifford, said: "This project has been in the development stages for many years, and it is a credit to the people of Banff and Macduff that they have worked alongside us in a positive and constructive manner to ensure that the plans we have drawn up will fit their needs, both now and in the future.

"It is not everyday that a community has the chance to create a multi-million leisure and community facility, and their involvement has been crucial in helping us to get to get to the point where we have significant support for the plans moving forward."

He continued: "We still have a long way to go. Planning approval has to be gained, tenders have to be prepared, and we must return to the Court of Session for a change to the Common Good Order.

"We also have to conclude our negotiations with Tesco, so they are able to progress with building their new store and we continue to work with the Princess Royal Sports and Community Trust to bring our agreement with them to an end."

(JP)