The estimated cost of the project in Elgin has increased from £9.2m to £11.8m over the past two years.
It is understood councillors were told that construction and property costs along with the preparation of a new planning application allowing the refusal of the original application had caused the increase in estimates.
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The schemes design has also undergone a number of changes in consultation with objectors to the original application.
Councillor John Cowe moved the matter be referred to the full council with a recommendation that the capital plan be adjusted to reflect the revised costs.
In addition, Councillor Gordon McDonald moved an amendment that the project should be deferred until more information was available about the Scottish Government’s proposals to dual the A96 trunk road.
The vote was tied at six all, with Councillor Cowe using his casting vote in favour of the motion.
(LM/MH)
