Future development options for the Cults area of Aberdeen were outlined at a public consultation event this week.

Proposed development options for the area include a site for 185 homes on land at Friarsfield and a major proposal for 3,000 houses plus employment land at Countesswells.

The options are set out in the Aberdeen Local Development Plan Main Issues Report which was published by Aberdeen City Council last month.

The consultation event at Cults Primary School on November 19 was one of ten taking place across Aberdeen which provides local people with an opportunity to consider where development may take place in and around their communities.

The council is working on a new Local Development Plan for Aberdeen which must show where future housing and employment land might be provided to meet the needs of the city over the next 10-20 years. The focus is on promoting sustainable development.

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The Main Issues Report sets out proposed options for more than 20,000 homes on greenfield sites, 4,500 homes on brownfield sites and over 175 hectares of business land needed to meet the city's future needs.

Before deciding on which sites should go into the new plan, however, the council wants to hear everyone's opinions about the options discussed in the Main Issues Report.

The Main Issues Report includes a proposal that a site at Friarsfield Road, to the north of land already zoned for housing in the current Aberdeen Local Plan, could accommodate 185 homes – but only in the period beyond 2017.

A major long term option for 3,000 houses and employment land phased over the period up to 2030, is suggested for the nearby Countesswells area, while 550 houses in two phases is suggested for Oldfold farm on the edge of Milltimber.

Numerous other housing options in the Lower Deeside area were considered but have not been promoted through the Main Issues Report. These included sites at Foggieton, Dalmunzie and Thornhill.

The aim of the roadshow events is to talk through various issues raised in the report with local people, developers and key agencies and to gather views on the options put forward by city planners.

The council say no decisions have yet been made. Respondents are invited to express their support for, as well as their opposition to, any of the contents of the document.

Other drop-in sessions with facilitated workshops to discuss the Main Issues Report will take place as follows: Scotstown Primary School on 23 November; Kingswells Primary School on 24 November; Culter Primary School on 25 November; and Mastrick Community Centre 1 December.

Drop-in sessions will run at each venue from 6-9pm with a facilitated discussion workshop running from 7-8pm.

(GK/KMcA)