A draft development plan has been unveiled for Aberdeenshire with co2 emissions, the “uncertainty” around the potential dualling of the A96 and climate change all shaping the future of the region.
Aberdeenshire Council’s local development plan (LDP) identifies a swathe of improvements for the region, but also flags a “risk” over the growth of towns such as Fraserburgh and Peterhead.
The blueprint, published once every five years, gives communities and developers guidance on land allocations and the principals developments should follow.
A report on the plan states: “There are significant challenges in terms of improving the economies of our more remote communities, particularly those that in the past depended more on tourism, fishing, and agriculture industries.
“We need to consider the conservation of our built and natural heritage, and specifically our “regeneration towns” of Banff, Macduff, Fraserburgh and Peterhead, where development opportunities may be more difficult.”
The report adds that “risks exists” for those north-east towns, that “the expectation of local communities on plan led regeneration will not be achieved.”
Across the rest of the shire, significant other factors have played a part in officers’ decisions on earmarking land for developments, whether it be housing, hotels or schools.
Areas between Aberdeen, Inverurie and Huntly “are “constrained by uncertainty regarding the proposed dualling of the A96” and, as a result, the council has chosen not to promote development in the area.
The report adds: “In the Aberdeen/Stonehaven/Laurencekirk strategic growth area the existing and substantial allocations at Laurencekirk have been slower to come forward than anticipated.
“Decisions regarding the southern grade separated junction at Laurencekirk are welcome and until that is completed there remain questions regarding the capacity and desirability of the town to accept additional growth.
“The rate of growth in Chapelton has been unexpectedly slow and the local aspiration for a model town here is likely to be constrained unless significant new development land elsewhere in the corridor is restricted.”
In terms of new developments, it is hoped that biodiversity will be increased and Co2 emissions reduced in a bid to make the region greener.
Road transport Co2 emissions are slowly rising across Aberdeenshire, the plan adds, with air quality an issue in some of the region’s larger settlements.
Throughout the creation of the plan, attention has also been focused on the future of climate change, and how flood risks affected with areas pencilled in for developments.
Councillors will discuss the proposals plans on Thursday.
Converted asylums, hundreds of houses and more: what’s on the cards in shire council’s LDP
Aberdeenshire’s LDP reveals that housing allowances for 2020-2032 will increase to 10,214, an increase of 1,879 homes.
The properties could be built in Mill of Newburgh, Fetterangus, St Combs and land north of Denview Road in Potterton.
A large proportion of the developments included are a continuation of the 2017 blueprint, highlighting time developers are needing to complete projects in the current climate.
Ongoing projects include the expansion of Donald Trump’s Menie Estate, the expanding development at Blackdog and the 980 homes and new school for Cromleybank in Ellon.
However, a number of new allocations have also been included in the new plan.
Brownfield land at former asylum Kingseat Hospital, of which 300 homes have been built around, will see further development.
Many of the buildings have been demolished and the site has been redeveloped by Avant Homes, but now the remaining undeveloped former hospital buildings will also be converted to residential use.
Similarly, 40 homes are planned at the site of the former Glen O’Dee Hospital, which was ravaged by fire in 2016.
A new fitness club is pencilled in for land south of Portlethen Club House and the town may also benefit from a new garden centre, restaurant and drive thru restaurant.
It is added, for the latter, “there are a number of technical assessments that may be required before development can start.”
In Kincardine O’Neil retail and cafe services are on the cards, but the LDP states the development should be “non-intrusive to the unique setting of the village.”
For a full list of the areas earmarked for growth your area, visit http://committees.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/committees.aspx?commid=1&meetid=19572 and search for council ward.
