Work to solve a north-east village’s parking problems could begin next month.
Rathen residents are concerned that the introduction of more families to the community, following the approval of a 10-home expansion earlier this year, will result in chaos on their roads during school drop-off and collection times.
A local landowner has now agreed to convert part of his farmland into parking for parents and teachers, after talks with Aberdeenshire Council.
Councillor Ian Tait said meetings between the local authority and the landowner – who has not been named – had been “very positive”.
“They were able to progress with some technical specifications and there was discussion and clarification provided over proposed leasing negotiations that would be undertaken by the estates team,” he added.
“They have a draft working plan agreed that all parties can work to.
“The landowner told me all went well and they are happy at how things went at the meeting. So everything is looking good.
“Officers tell me work could be starting in May or June all going well.”
Mr Tait had previously suggested a part-time one-way system would help curb the impact of the new homes.
“If all the vehicles are going the same way, the risk is considerably reduced,” he said.
Residents’s fears came to a head when Banff and Buchan councillors approved Colaren Homes’ expansion of Rathen.
The 10-home development will create a new road system for the community and provide a safe walking route for children from homes to the school.
