Signs erected in protest at a hugely controversial Aberdeen housing plan have “disappeared” in a mysterious series of night time incidents.
Around 100 homes and 2,000 square metres of retail space could be created on fields near the city’s North Deeside Road under plans lodges with the council by Bancon Homes and William Guilds Managers earlier this month.
Objections have quickly stacked up against the proposals, with almost 200 submitted in little more than 10 days.
And a group of residents banded together to put up laminated A3 signs stating “Say no to Milltimber south development”.
To the dismay of campaigners keen to ensure the groundswell of opposition is maintained, however, the signs have “disappeared” overnight.
Milltimber resident Malcolm Ellice, 68, said: “We put up some signs along the North Deeside Road and the Deeside Way but they have been repeatedly ripped down.
“Typically a vandal would leave what they destroy behind, but the signs have all completely disappeared.
“It is baffling that someone feels the need to tear them down, but we aren’t going to let this stop us.
“In fact this has galvanised us.”
Now, dedicated residents go out in the morning to put up the signs, then return at nightfall to take them down so they cannot be destroyed.
The proposed Milltimber development follows a consultation with local residents in 2017, when the plans were for 60 houses.
Developers also met with residents last year to discuss the revised proposals.
Craig Fotheringham, the land and development director at Bancon Homes said: “We welcomed feedback from the local community during our pre-application consultation, which, along with our technical assessments, helped inform and shape the proposals.
“Our aim is to create a well thought-out development that sits sympathetically within the surrounding environment.”
He added: “Whilst the site is allocated for development in the current Local Development Plan (LDP), it is very important that all those with an interest in the proposals, irrespective of their views, have an opportunity to provide formal comments to the council.
“It is therefore disappointing to hear that signs relating to the proposals have been damaged or removed.’’
The application can be found on the council website.
