North-east councillors are expected to approve a massive housing expansion in Peterhead – despite it failing to offer space for retail units.
Buchan area committee members will meet on Tuesday, with council planners recommending they endorse a scheme by Claymore Homes to construct 210 new houses at Wester Clerkhill.
The project is part of the housebuilder’s Greenacres scheme which has already developed 125 properties.
However, the proposal, which was first mooted in April, will not offer any space for retailers to move into or create a work of public art.
The masterplan for the site, on the outskirts of Peterhead, suggested that any proposal for the land should include either shop units or an art initiative.
Despite this, Stephen Archer, Aberdeenshire Council’s director of infrastructure services, has told councillors that no letters of objection were received from the public and that the project should be supported.
In his report to the area committee, he said: “The proposal would include areas of open space with green corridors and footpaths linking the amenity areas.
“It is considered that the proposed layout accords with the general aims and objectives of the masterplan, providing adequate public open space linked by a network of green corridors.
“It is noted that the masterplan makes specific reference to delivering retail and a public art project – but the current application does not propose any retail or public art element.”
A letter submitted by Claymore responded that there had been a decline in interest for retail units within the town.
Mr Archer added: “In addition, at this time, there has been no mechanism identified for the delivery of the public art.
“Where it is noted the proposal deviates from the masterplan, the deviations are not to such an extent to be considered [detrimental].”
Homes at the Greenacres site will include a range of one to two-storey buildings, and will be both detached and semi-detached.
