Leading housing and development group, Taylor Wimpey, has expressed considerable concern over the identification of its proposed site for housing at Souterford on the Oldmeldrum Road as a ‘future option’ for development within the Aberdeenshire Local Plan.

The Aberdeenshire Local Plan identifies choices for development in the area, and in particular, locations where it is felt development should and should not occur.

The site at Souterford was only identified as a ‘future option’ by Aberdeenshire Council, dependent on the feasibility of an Inverurie Eastern Bypass. This is despite the fact that the development does not require delivery of a bypass, but the developers are happy to fund the initial stage should this be demonstrated to be needed. It is also despite the fact that the site is far better positioned for development in comparison to a number of other sites contained in the Plan.

The delay to development of Souterford for a sustainable and deliverable development of 300 houses (including affordable housing), a new primary school with associated facilities and cycleways and footpaths comes despite the site achieving one of the strongest evaluation scores in the Council’s own Inverurie Capacity Study (2008). The report outlines the potential for long term growth in the area and Souterford’s score of 80% was bettered only by two other sites.

By contrast, the construction firm say, sites selected for inclusion in the Local Plan at Crichie (Crichie North and South) are remote from the town and will only serve to increase current levels of congestion. Crichie North has been allocated 680 units and a primary school in the first phase of the plan, while Crichie South has been allocated for employment land. The steepness of the land at the location makes it difficult to develop and will require extensive work if it is ever to be delivered, and for Crichie North may require road realignment to be undertaken.

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The breaching of the barrier provided by the A96 by these developments will also lead to the creation of ‘urban sprawl’ and reinforce the remoteness of these developments from Inverurie and Port Elphinstone.

As outlined above Taylor Wimpey has pledged to contribute to the delivery of the Inverurie Eastern Bypass, if demonstrated to be required, through providing the first part of the road. As part of the Souterford Transport Assessment, the potential to look at a one way loop around the town hall, better integration between bus and train and adding signals at the foot of Harlaw Road would also be examined, bringing immediate relief to an existing situation.

A network of new footpaths and cycleways would also be introduced to provide access across the site, with new landscaped open space and meadow parkland, and there is the potential to introduce new links to the Keith Hall estate via the estate access road.

This proposal is a continuation to Taylor Wimpey’s commitment to Aberdeenshire that in providing jobs and investment for the economy.

The Infrastructure Services Committee will meet on 17th June to examine the Local Plan, followed by the full Council on 24th June, prior to it being put out to consultation.

Commenting on the situation, Elspeth Lamb, Strategic Land Manager for Taylor Wimpey said:

“The decision that Souterford be a ‘future option’ for development is illogical and highly damaging. The site is excellently positioned for future development and achieved one of the highest scores in the Inverurie Capacity Study. By contrast, the sites selected at Crichie face considerable challenges if they are to be developed and are remote from the town centre, adding to congestion, whereas the site at Souterford can be developed now.

“I would urge the councillors reviewing the sites contained in the Local Plan to look at these proposals carefully as this is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver the best outcome for Inverurie and it is vital they get it right.

“Taylor Wimpey is committed to delivering sustainable development in Aberdeenshire; creating new jobs, helping to further develop key areas and bringing much needed investment.”

(GK)