Proposed measures to stabilise the Bervie Braes at Stonehaven have today been approved by councillors.

Members of the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee unanimously supported the installation of landslip prevention measures at the Braes through the use of ‘soil-nailing’ and ‘rockfill’ techniques.

The application for full planning permission had been submitted by Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services section, using information provided by engineering experts.

The proposals were prepared following the severe landslip and mudslide which affected the existing road and around 60 surrounding houses during bad weather in October 2009.

The engineering works aim to stabilise the ground on the slope to prevent future landslips, mainly through the use of long nails which would be inserted into the slope at an angle. Drainage measures would also be improved.

Once the nailing process has been completed, landscaping measures would be put in place to return the Braes to their previous appearance as far as possible.

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The committee heard that the planning application had received no objections, and that landowners the Dewars Trust had written in support of the proposals.

Some vegetation clearance has already taken place to allow the site to be cleared before the start of the nesting season, under permitted policies.

During discussions, Cllr Wendy Agnew voiced her support for bringing all footpaths up to a suitable standard, while Cllr Graeme Clark was told it was unlikely access to the paths would be available at all stages of the works on safety grounds.

Following the meeting, committee chair Cllr Paul Melling said: “Approval of the planning application is an important step in this project, but we haven’t reached the end point just yet as a report will now come before the Policy and Resources Committee on April 21.

“We need the support of the affected householders before we can move forward with the works themselves, and I would encourage those who have yet to sign waivers for the work to do so as soon as possible.”

Vice-chair Cllr Michael Sullivan added: “I am very pleased to see us getting closer to the point where we will actually see the stabilisation works taking place to help ensure the future safety of the Bervie Braes residents.”

Approval of the application is subject to a number of conditions, including the creation of an access plan which would guide the reinstatement of existing footpaths on the braes, and a detailed planting and maintenance schedule for all replanting works.

The Braes lie within the Stonehaven Conservation Area and it was accepted that there would be some short term visual impact on the site while the works take place.

No start date has yet been set for the works, and a report will now come before Aberdeenshire Council’s Policy and Resources Committee to discuss the next steps in the project.

(GK)