New plans for a supermarket and housing development on the outskirts of an Aberdeenshire town have been lodged – despite flooding concerns.
Stewart Milne Homes has rethought its proposals to transform a farm site at the Mains of Cowie, Stonehaven into a suburb with 240 homes, a supermarket and primary school.
The developer’s original plans for 400 homes were rejected by the Kincardine and Mearns area committee earlier this year.
A primary school, community facilities and a petrol station have again been included in the plans, which will go before councillors at a later date.
However there remains fears that the Mains of Cowie development – situated on a hill at the north end of the town – could lead to surface water run-off to the town centre.
Stonehaven’s River Carron burst its banks in 2009 and 2012 causing serious damage to town centre properties.
Mark Irvine, chairman of Stonehaven’s Flood Action Group, said: “Any scheme like this is obviously going to have a material affect to the amount of water coming through to Stonehaven. As a group we’d be against that in principle.
“It was the anniversary at the weekend – six years since we first flooded. We have flooded twice in the past six years and chances are we might flood again.”
A statement from Stewart Milne Homes said: “This proposal builds upon the demonstrated local desire and market interest to realise an opportunity for a retail superstore and the market demand for a mix of new housing in the town.
“We strongly believe that this represents the town’s best opportunity for sustainable economic growth.
“The development proposals themselves have evolved over the last 12 months to reflect and respond to the character of
Stonehaven.”
A flood risk assessment carried out on behalf of Stewart Milne Homes has also been carried out by WSP UK on behalf of the firm.
If approved the supermarket would be built first, followed by the primary school and the houses.