Residents have hit out at proposed plans which would affect a nature walk in Aberdeen.
Engineering fabrication firm Woollard and Henry want to expand the industrial space at Stoneywood Park near the River Don.
Around 10,128 sq ft of amenity land, already owned by the company, would be destroyed to make way for a new workshop and offices, staff facilities, car parking and an ancillary yard.
Dyce and Stoneywood Community Council have objected to the plans, and eight residents have also lodged their disapproval.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The P&J newsletter
They have stated the plans are “inconsistent” with the Aberdeen local development plan, which protects against the loss of trees and woodlands that contribute to nature conservation and local amenities.
The community council believe the woodland targeted in the planning application is a “key landscape feature” that should not be lost as a result of building work.
In his objection, local resident Alan Shand wrote: “We need to retain as much green space as possible.
“What we certainly do not need is yet another car park and industrial building that will be built then abandoned in less than a year and left to rot like a third of the existing industrial buildings in Dyce already are.”
Ingrid Taylor, of Grampian Gardens, echoed this view.
She wrote: “We need to be maintaining green space, not destroying it.
“The wildlife in this area need protection too.
“And, how can a security fence have already been erected, and trees felled, without planning permission?”
Johana Henao Sanchez, of Cedar Avenue which backs onto the development, had concerns about noise and the loss of trees.
She wrote in her objection: “The applicant proposes to remove 96 trees which would be detrimental to the character of our neighbourhood and affect greenspace and wildlife.
“There is plenty of available commercial/industrial space locally and no
justification to expand into mature woodland.”
But managing director of Woollard and Henry, Fred Bowden, defended the plans and said the firm had historically made sure all work was “sympathetic” to the surroundings.
He said: “Woollard and Henry Ltd have occupied their current site for over 30 years, being the first company to take residence there.
“Previously they operated for over 100 years from within Stoneywood Paper Mill.
“Having a long history with the site and the area, the company are looking to work with the planning department and ensure that all the works carried out is in keeping with, and sympathetic to the surroundings.
“Although the traditional paper manufacturing businesses in Aberdeen have had, and are continuing to experience difficult times, Woollard and Henry have been able to expand and grow the engineering business globally from the site in Stoneywood.
“This application is to allow for the latest phase in growth for the employee-owned company who are looking to create additional, good quality employment anchored in Aberdeen.”
