Backing for homes on ‘eyesore’ Kintore site

Councillors are being urged to block plans for a new housing development near Kintore, despite strong community support.

A total of nine local residents have written in support of the plans to build nine three and five-bedroom houses at the old Cottown caravan park at Upper Cottown between Kintore and Kemnay.

The caravan park fell into disrepair and was served with a wasteland notice in 2008 after becoming a magnet for fly-tippers and vandals.

Mr and Mrs Cheyne, of Hill of Cottown, supported the application, stating: “This area has been run down and in a state of complete disrepair for several years now. A new rural housing development could only boost and benefit the local community.”

Other supporters called the area an “eyesore” and a “blight on the countryside” but the proposed development could be refused as it contravenes countryside planning regulations.

Developments in this area will normally only be approved if they can demonstrate “essential need” such as providing accommodation for rural workers.

A council planning report also suggested that the development be rejected as Kintore Primary School cannot take any more pupils.

Scot Proteins, owner of the local rendering plant, objected to the application. The company said: “The application is a speculative and ill-conceived attempt to secure planning permission for open-market housing where such development is directly contrary to development plan policy.”

Inverurie architectural firm William Lippe Architects submitted the plans, which stated that the housing would be redeveloping a brownfield site.

The plans are due to be discussed at the Garioch area committee meeting on Tuesday.