Plans for a congestion-busting transport interchange on the outskirts of an Aberdeenshire village have been backed.
A full meeting of Aberdeenshire Council yesterday voted to approve planning permission in principle for the development of a “park and ride” style development at Chapelpark, near Oldmeldrum.
The plans for the interchange and the widening of part of the B9170 Inverurie to Methlick road were part of a planning application for 35 homes.
However council planning officials had recommended the refusal of the development, arguing it is contrary to its 2012 and 2016 Local Development Plans (LDPs).
In June the Formartine area committee recommended granting planning permission in principle for the scheme as a departure for the LDP, subject to conditions.
The transport interchange will be in the form of a small park and ride with 40 car parking spaces, which, it is hoped, will take the pressure off busy car parks in the heart of Oldmeldrum.
The plans were submitted by applicant, Keith Paterson.
Speaking at yesterday’s committee, planning consultant for the developer, Lesley Tierney, said it was a “sensible” scheme for Oldmeldrum.
She added: “This is not the wrong development on the wrong place at the wrong time. It is the right development in the right place.
“In our view the fact the timing may not fit well with the local development plan is not a sufficient reason to refuse the development.”
However Mid-Formartine Democratic Independent and Green Group councillor, Paul Johnston, said: “If you ask me on a personal basis, I am quite happy in see this particular site developed if you can find a way to make sure road patterns and transport issues around the town are resolved.
“But out of sequence, out of the local plan process, if we are to have a plan-led process we have to make that decision at the right point.”
He launched a motion to refuse the plans.
However SNP councillor for the region, Cryle Shand, moved to back the plans as a departure from the LDP.
He said: “This will help alleviate the problem there.”
Mr Shand’s amendment was carried with 37 votes to 21.
