The owners of the north-east’s biggest mart have claimed the region’s economy will suffer after councillors delayed a decision on a £5 million expansion.
On Tuesday, Aberdeenshire Council’s Garioch area committee deferred a decision on the conditions relating to the extension of the Thainstone Business Park, relating to transport access, drainage and infrastructure.
Councillors had been asked to sign off on the plans, which are built into the overall permission in principle, but decided to defer the proposals and asked officers to re-open discussions with ANM Group.
The committee asked planners to explore the possibility of a footbridge over the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road, to help people walk between both sites.
Councillors also expressed doubts about the long-term provision of public transport to the site.
It is not clear when the application will be looked at again and last night ANM Group said it was “extremely disappointed” with the decision.
Grant Rogerson, chief executive, said: “Having obtained planning permission in principle for the Thainstone Business Park back in January and obtained Aberdeenshire Council officer support for the MSC (matters specified in conditions) application that was before committee, it is extremely frustrating that councillors have chosen to defer a decision to discuss matters that have already been agreed.
“Thainstone is the agricultural hub for the north-east of Scotland and has importantly contributed in excess of £4billion back into the local economy since opening in 1990.
“The decision to delay the proposals will not only be felt by local firms who would deliver the initial £5million infrastructure for the business park but also the local and north east economy in terms of the wider investment and approximately 500 jobs that would be created across the business park.”
ANM’s current proposals for public transport to the site consists of a shuttle bus until a more permanent agreement can be reached with Stagecoach.
Garioch councillors expressed doubts over the validity about this option and wanted officers to get further clarity.
Another aspect which caused the committee to defer its decision was the relocation of Camie’s Stone, an historic marker on the development site, to the other side of the mart.
The standing stone reputedly marks the spot where the leader of an invading army of Danes died and it was questioned whether it should be moved so far away if the significance attached to it was based on its location.
The firm initially had its application for the site rejected, but this was overturned by the Scottish Government almost a year ago.
This hinged on ANM agreeing to contribute financially towards the new Kintore Railway Station.
