Common good consultation under way ahead of mandatory charging for events in Grantown market square
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People in Grantown-on-Spey are invited to have their say on a proposal to change the use of the Grantown market square.
Highland Council has launched a common good consultation giving the Grantown on Spey community until December 1, 2023 to respond to a change that would allow for the introduction of mandatory charging for pitches, stalls, and events.
The changes comes after the market square was assessed as a common good asset of the town, having been gifted to the former burgh in 1966.
Historically, the council has supported events in the market square by allowing them to take place free of charge. However, following the publication of the common good asset register in 2022, assets have been considered for potential income generation.
The recommendation to commence a consultation in respect of this proposal was made at a meeting of Badenoch & Strathspey area committee in February 2023.
In the meantime, a voluntary 12-month pilot ‘Invitation to Pay’ scheme was introduced. This scheme has been well received and supported. Full details of the proposal are contained in the consultation document referred to below.
The council is now keen to hear the community’s views on the proposal and all submissions.
They say that each comment will be given full regard before a decision on whether to proceed is made.
A full copy of the consultation document is available from the Highland Council website.
Written responses can be submitted either by email to common.good@highland.gov.uk or by post to Sara Murdoch, The Highland Council HQ, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX.
Consultation representations, responses and any final decision will be published on the council website.
