Council bosses have been branded “undemocratic” amid claims they are channelling community investment into pet projects without public consultation.
Angry exchanges erupted during a committee meeting in Fraserburgh yesterday when councillors were told they had no say on contributions from a major new housing development.
Community funding from Claymore Homes had been earmarked for two football pitches at the firm’s Merryhillock project following a public consultation meeting last year.
However, last week the Press and Journal revealed council legal officers had reassigned the money for a major revamp of the town’s seafront.
The move sparked a fierce backlash from councillors at yesterday’s Banff and Buchan area committee when plans for the first phase of the 590-home scheme – on land near Boothby Road – were discussed.
Councillor Brian Topping said: “I’m extremely unhappy about this. I’m actually angry.
“The number of football teams in Fraserburgh at all levels means we don’t have enough pitches. To come in at the 11th hour to say we need the money down at the beach is totally unacceptable.”
His thoughts were echoed by councillor Ian Tait who said: “Although I totally support the development I’m absolutely opposed to not putting in football pitches which are desperately needed in Fraserburgh.
“The developer was more than happy to provide a couple of pitches to move this long-awaited development forward.
“I can’t see why we’re spending money at the beach. But I can see hundreds of local footballers who come to the local members for help.”
Councillors argued at length with planning officers about the terms of the Section 75 legal agreement with Claymore Homes, which will determine where developer contributions will be spent.
Mr Tait quoted directly from a report from Aberdeenshire Council’s planning chief Stephen Archer which stated: “It is noted two sports pitches at Merryhillock specified by the masterplan are not required.
“Instead, the preferred option by the council is now seeking contributions towards facilities at the beach esplanade.”
Fraserburgh councillor Charles Buchan said the move went against the wishes of the community.
“The developer has bent over backwards to work with the authority,” he said.
“It’s a democratic thing now – we have been through the masterplan consultation and now there’s a change.”
Banff and District member Ian Gray echoed the concerns, saying: “I think it’s undemocratic if local members can’t decide how public money is spent. I think we should demand the original football pitches are put in.”
And chairman John Cox added: “My understanding is we’ve been through a democratic process and now we’re moving the goal posts.”
The discussion closed with members unanimously agreeing to send the Merryhillock application back to the planning department with their approval – but on the condition that the Section 75 agreement reflects the original masterplan with two football pitches.
Last night a spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “As with all masterplans, the masterplan approved by elected members in August last year for this particular development was and remains indicative.”
It is understood the planning and legal teams will now liaise with Claymore Homes and councillors about their concerns.
Once an agreement is thrashed out over where the developer contributions will be spent, construction on the first 52 homes at the Merryhillock site, including 16 affordable houses, could begin within weeks.
Last week Claymore Homes boss, Steven Rollo, said 97% of the first batch of properties had already been sold.