Controversial proposals on pedestrianising an Aberdeen city centre street have gone out to public consultation.
Three options are on the table for Broad Street, previously described as “the heart of the masterplan – full pedestrianisation, opening only to busses and bicycles, or maintaining the status quo.
But a row broke out last night as senior opposition councillors questioned whether the consultation – which is being carried almost entirely online – was a “box-ticking exercise” so the plans can move forward.
The authority risks losing £1.2million from Muse, developer of Marischal Square, if some form of plan is not approved by July.
At the last full council meeting, Rosemount SNP councillor Bill Cormie asked if new planning permission would be required if the work goes ahead, given the pedestrianisation was de-coupled from the original Marischal Square plans.
Council officers told members they were not sure.
Liberal Democrat group leader Ian Yuill then pushed for more time and a consultation “roadshow” to take place before any decisions were made on the “very important” changes.
But other parties pushed ahead with the consultation, which went live yesterday. Residents now have six weeks to make their views known.
This can only be done either by visiting Aberdeen City Council’s website, or visiting a library and asking for a paper copy.
Mr Yuill said: “We had asked for at least one public engagement setting so people could see the designs and ask any questions directly.
“It’s such an important decision for the future of the city we wanted to give people as much of a chance as possible to have their say.
“I’m really disappointed it hasn’t happened like that, but I think people need to make sure their views are known through the methods available.”
But council deputy leader Marie Boulton said: “The masterplan represents a once in a generation opportunity to transform the city centre and enhance the quality of its environment for generations to come.
“We need to work together to deliver the vision and I would urge everyone to have their say on the Broad Street options.
Three other streets have been identified for part or full pedestrianisation over the course of the masterplan – Guild Street; Union Street; and Schoolhill. Visit
https://consultation.aberdeencity.gov.uk/consultation/broadstreet
