Today the LibDem/Tory administration of Aberdeenshire Council, with the support of the SNP supposed opposition decided to go ahead with some £27m of cuts.
Now we know that we shall have to make cuts that are of that extent. But looking at the proposed package of cuts the Democratic Independent Group had some serious reservations. While recognising the necessity of officers continuing to work on cuts (you can't make large scale redundancies in a matter of weeks - the council needs to start seeking volunteers and identifying and notifying "at risk posts"), we did not want to make some of the cuts at this stage.
For a sample of cuts agreed to today see the P&J
One oddity was that many councillors went into the Council Chamber believing that we were being asked to let the process start rather than finally decide. The DIGs have checked and we were careful to say that we only agreed to the process starting. The SNP had some detailed comments but clearly were not expecting final decisions to be made today. However, most of them voted with the LibDem/Tory administration (a few abstained) - so in my book they bear equal responsibility for the cuts.
To be fair the LibDem/Tory administration said they took on board some of the SNP comments. But as there was no formal amendment from the SNP, and no formal amendment of the administration motion, it is a mystery to me what has been agreed. I am pretty certain however that the DIGs comments will not be "taken on board".
Showing posts with label council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label council. Show all posts
Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Aberdeenshire Council today decided to meekly accept John Swinney's 2.6% cut in grant - and promised not to raise Council Tax.
They were forced into this position by the threat that if they raised council tax by even the smallest amount, the grant would be cut by 6.4% - leaving an even greater shortfall in resources.
The choice was not a real choice. The devil of a cut ... or the deep blue sea.
I worry about a government who argues for greater powers for Scotland but imposes straight-jackets on local government. Can't they see the inconsistency?
This continuing freeze is populist short term nonsense. Professor David Bell is right - there is no sense in an effective cut in property taxes which mainly benefit middle incomes when the poorest suffer most from council cuts.
They were forced into this position by the threat that if they raised council tax by even the smallest amount, the grant would be cut by 6.4% - leaving an even greater shortfall in resources.
The choice was not a real choice. The devil of a cut ... or the deep blue sea.
I worry about a government who argues for greater powers for Scotland but imposes straight-jackets on local government. Can't they see the inconsistency?
This continuing freeze is populist short term nonsense. Professor David Bell is right - there is no sense in an effective cut in property taxes which mainly benefit middle incomes when the poorest suffer most from council cuts.
Scale and management of cuts
the Accounts Commission has called on councils to take urgent and radical action to deal with the financial challenges ahead in their annual report, An overview of local government in Scotland 2009. The reports points to a likely real term drop in the Scottish budget of between seven and 13 per cent between 2009/10 and 2013/14.
Things could be worse - the Conservative Shadow Chancellor George Osbourne now saying the Conservatives will be "tougher than Margaret Thatcher" when it comes to tackling Britain's budget deficit. This will inevitably put more pressure of local government.
The Democratic Independent Group called for an inclusive all-group approach to making the hard decisions that will be needed in the recent budget. The LibDem/Tory administration may regret refusing this approach.
If the LibDem/Conservative administration on Aberdeenshire want all the power, then they can take all the resoponsibility.
Things could be worse - the Conservative Shadow Chancellor George Osbourne now saying the Conservatives will be "tougher than Margaret Thatcher" when it comes to tackling Britain's budget deficit. This will inevitably put more pressure of local government.
The Democratic Independent Group called for an inclusive all-group approach to making the hard decisions that will be needed in the recent budget. The LibDem/Tory administration may regret refusing this approach.
If the LibDem/Conservative administration on Aberdeenshire want all the power, then they can take all the resoponsibility.
Open Data, Open Systems
Aberdeenshire Council took forward for detailed consideration a move to make its data more accessible to people that I proposed. It was a pity support wasn't warmer on the day that saw the launch of www.data.gov.uk
My motion called on the Council to make data available in common data formats so that individuals and intersested parties can reuse this information and combine information togather in any way they chose.
The BBC recently used data on serious road accidents to publish interactive maps of accident blackspots and other public bodies are embracing the "Open Data, Open Systems" concept.
I start from the principle that the data a council holds belongs to all of us and therefore should be shared. There are lots of examples across the world of public bodies making their data available and in the UK, these moves are supported by the Cabinet Office and councils are starting to catch on. Kent dubs their initiative "Pic and Mix" and I like the idea of making data available for people to use.
This can also save Councils money. Making it easy for people to access data can save councils from building systems themselves. PlanningAlerts is used by thousands of people to be notified of nearby planning applications - without the expense of Councils building their own system. This gaves much better service to the public than trawling through weekly lists. WriteToThem.com is another initiative that enable citizens to find and contact their elected representatives. Let's make it easy for these systems to grow to meet public demand rather than building everything ourself and paying to do so.
My motion called on the Council to make data available in common data formats so that individuals and intersested parties can reuse this information and combine information togather in any way they chose.
The BBC recently used data on serious road accidents to publish interactive maps of accident blackspots and other public bodies are embracing the "Open Data, Open Systems" concept.
I start from the principle that the data a council holds belongs to all of us and therefore should be shared. There are lots of examples across the world of public bodies making their data available and in the UK, these moves are supported by the Cabinet Office and councils are starting to catch on. Kent dubs their initiative "Pic and Mix" and I like the idea of making data available for people to use.
This can also save Councils money. Making it easy for people to access data can save councils from building systems themselves. PlanningAlerts is used by thousands of people to be notified of nearby planning applications - without the expense of Councils building their own system. This gaves much better service to the public than trawling through weekly lists. WriteToThem.com is another initiative that enable citizens to find and contact their elected representatives. Let's make it easy for these systems to grow to meet public demand rather than building everything ourself and paying to do so.
Word of the day : Monopsody
Council land to be sold to Trump
In economics, a monopsony (from Ancient Greek μόνος (monos) "single" + ὀψωνία (opsōnia) "purchase") is a market form in which only one buyer faces many sellers. It is an example of imperfect competition, similar to a monopoly, in which only one seller faces many buyers. As the only purchaser of a good or service, the "monopsonist" may dictate terms to its suppliers in the same manner that a monopolist controls the market for its buyers.Today Aberdeenshire Councild decided to make Donald Trump a monopsony*.
On a vote of 7 to 3, Formartine Area Committee decided today to reject 7 other interested parties and negotiate to sell a small piece of land to Trump.
If you reject all possible purchasers but one, you have no way of knowing that the price you get is the highest possible. And Aberdeenshire Council does not have a reputation as a tough negotiator with Trump.
I argued for an open process and let the highest bid win. Logically that highest bid should have been Trump. The land, if it is key to the development, is worth more to Trump than anyone else. But my colleagues with the honorable exceptions of Cllr Paul Johnston and Cllr Davidson, are simply happy to sell to Trump. Frankly the numbers mooted in the surveyors report don't sound large to me.
Why we must trip up Trump from Adam Proctor on Vimeo.
I also worry that the value put on this land will somehow impact the value put on my constituent's houses if - and I sincerely hope sense prevails well before we get that far - if CPOs are even used.
* I've wanted to use the word monopsody for years and never before came even close to having a chance!
Leaks
It seems that the report into the sales of land at Menie was leaked to various newspapers. And weirdly the council decided to publish much of the material that I argued could have been debated in public itself after the meeting.
And two journalists who would regard me as a friendly source complained to me that they hadn't got a copy of the report.
For the record, when I was consulted on the report some weeks ago, I asked that the report be split into two - one part that could be debated in public about process and one that would need to be private taking about value and bidders. Today, I moved deferral so we could have these two reports this morning. I tried ....
No doubt there will be an investigation into the leaks. Last time the focus of an investigation as to who had leaked a memo about Menie that was sent to all 68 councillors focused oddly on Cllrs Merson, Davidson, Owen and myself. Will the investigation this time reveal anything useful?
I donlt think there was anything in the debate today that couldn't have been done in public. It would have been so much simpler if the my colleagues had simply decided to debate matters of legitimate public interest in public.
Disagree with me if you will, colleagues. But have the grace to do it in public - and then you can be properly accountable to the public.
And two journalists who would regard me as a friendly source complained to me that they hadn't got a copy of the report.
For the record, when I was consulted on the report some weeks ago, I asked that the report be split into two - one part that could be debated in public about process and one that would need to be private taking about value and bidders. Today, I moved deferral so we could have these two reports this morning. I tried ....
No doubt there will be an investigation into the leaks. Last time the focus of an investigation as to who had leaked a memo about Menie that was sent to all 68 councillors focused oddly on Cllrs Merson, Davidson, Owen and myself. Will the investigation this time reveal anything useful?
I donlt think there was anything in the debate today that couldn't have been done in public. It would have been so much simpler if the my colleagues had simply decided to debate matters of legitimate public interest in public.
Disagree with me if you will, colleagues. But have the grace to do it in public - and then you can be properly accountable to the public.
Snow
We have had a long period of very bad weather and it is set to continue for another week at least. Aberdeenshire Council has quite rightly concentrated resources on keeping the main routes clear and gritted. After all, there is little point in being able to get out of your street/side road if the main routes are blocked. So can we please say a big thank you to the staff who have been working long hours to keep routes open - and re-open blocked roads.
And can I also thank drivers for being sensible and the police for ordering road closures when necessary. In contrast to stories from England of motorists getting stuck and abandoning cars, drivers have been pretty sensible and this helps keep the roads clear (imagine driving an HGV plough/gritter through a chicane of abandoned cars).
Council workers have also been trying to keep pavements clear - and as with roads this has been a uphill battle. Most people have realised that the council workers are doing their best. But with this amount of snow, a little bit of help from frontagers would be appreciated. Please try to break up hard packed snow/ice and put sand, ashes, salt, - even cat litter - on it to give a little grip and help break up the surface further.
And finally, please do look out for each other. If you can pick up a few things for the shops for your neighbour, then that is a nice thing to do and may save an unpleasant trip out. If your neighbour is struggling with getting out in these conditions, you could be a life saver.
Useful numbers:
Elderly or vulnerable and afraid to turn your heating up during this cold spell? Call the Home Heat Helpline for advice 0800 33 66 99
For help in reducing future bills call Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012
And can I also thank drivers for being sensible and the police for ordering road closures when necessary. In contrast to stories from England of motorists getting stuck and abandoning cars, drivers have been pretty sensible and this helps keep the roads clear (imagine driving an HGV plough/gritter through a chicane of abandoned cars).
Council workers have also been trying to keep pavements clear - and as with roads this has been a uphill battle. Most people have realised that the council workers are doing their best. But with this amount of snow, a little bit of help from frontagers would be appreciated. Please try to break up hard packed snow/ice and put sand, ashes, salt, - even cat litter - on it to give a little grip and help break up the surface further.
And finally, please do look out for each other. If you can pick up a few things for the shops for your neighbour, then that is a nice thing to do and may save an unpleasant trip out. If your neighbour is struggling with getting out in these conditions, you could be a life saver.
Useful numbers:
Elderly or vulnerable and afraid to turn your heating up during this cold spell? Call the Home Heat Helpline for advice 0800 33 66 99
For help in reducing future bills call Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012
Aberdeenshire supports Vote Earth
Aberdeenshire Council today unanimously agreed to support the Vote Earth campaign. Things are moving in the right direction with President Obama and China both making positive statements today. I hope that Copenhagen can produce a binding deal. The latest scientific advice is that unless emissions are stabilised by 2015-2020, then it may all be too late. So we have to start some serious cuts now.
That's why campaigns like 10:10 matter - and I am hopeful that when Aberdeenshire's Policy and Resources Committee discussed this, they will sign up. I've signed up personally - have you?
There is a problem however. Despite both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats nationally being against the third Heathrow runway, they would not support a motion congratulating BAA for halting work on this. Why - it now won't be built and it costs nothing to acknowledge the fact. Is it because Martin Ford proposed the motion? Or is it simply that they believe all economic growth is good - and hang the consequences?
That's why campaigns like 10:10 matter - and I am hopeful that when Aberdeenshire's Policy and Resources Committee discussed this, they will sign up. I've signed up personally - have you?
There is a problem however. Despite both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats nationally being against the third Heathrow runway, they would not support a motion congratulating BAA for halting work on this. Why - it now won't be built and it costs nothing to acknowledge the fact. Is it because Martin Ford proposed the motion? Or is it simply that they believe all economic growth is good - and hang the consequences?
Aberdeenshire challenged over Trump
Permission was recently granted to add land at Mill of Menie (where Molly lives), Menie Fishing Stations, Leyton Cottage, Hermit Point, Leyton Farm plus some council owed land to the outline permission granted by the SNP government.
Subsequently, Aberdeenshire council, without waiting for the conditions of the original outline permission to be fulfilled, granted permission for the start of the destruction of the SSSI - stabilisation with marram grass and fencing.
Molly's challenge is to the process used by Aberdeenshire in these applications.
This is a brave step by Molly who is seeking to protect her home and the homes of her neighbours.
The planning permissions are
Support for Trump crumbles .... and questions about Council impartiality.
You may be interested in this article by Ron Edwards in today's Sunday Herald (though I've linked to the blog version as I prefer a picture of the dunes, even if it is at Balmedie rather than Menie, to DT's face).
A YouGov poll sets opposition to the use of CPOs at 74%, rising to 86% amongst LibDem voters. The four families involved should take heart from this poll finding - but they are not safe in their homes until the council rules out the use of CPOs. I am not surprised by the overwhelming opposition to the use of CPOs - this is one of those "all right thinking people" questions. The surprise has always been the extreme reluctance of the majority of my council colleagues to make their position clear.
For entertainment, you may also be interested in this David Letterman interview with the McDonald who reveals the source of his 93% support claim!
A YouGov poll sets opposition to the use of CPOs at 74%, rising to 86% amongst LibDem voters. The four families involved should take heart from this poll finding - but they are not safe in their homes until the council rules out the use of CPOs. I am not surprised by the overwhelming opposition to the use of CPOs - this is one of those "all right thinking people" questions. The surprise has always been the extreme reluctance of the majority of my council colleagues to make their position clear.
For entertainment, you may also be interested in this David Letterman interview with the McDonald who reveals the source of his 93% support claim!
Welcome to Mark
A very warm welcome to Councillor Mark Cullen who has joined Paul Johnston, Sam Coull and Martin Ford in the Democratic Independent Group (DIG) on Aberdeenshire Council.
Mark has shown independence of thinking and a firm determination to judge issues on their merits and I look forward to working more closely with him - and occasionally having my thinking challenged by him.
Mark brings the DIG to 5 members, which now entitles the Group to a place on all five Aberdeenshire policy committees and a place on various smaller sub-committees and working groups.
Mark has shown independence of thinking and a firm determination to judge issues on their merits and I look forward to working more closely with him - and occasionally having my thinking challenged by him.
Mark brings the DIG to 5 members, which now entitles the Group to a place on all five Aberdeenshire policy committees and a place on various smaller sub-committees and working groups.
Congratulations to Martin Ford - nominated as Scottish councillor of the year
Congratulation to my colleague Martin Ford for being nominated for Councillor of the Year in the Herald's Scottish Politician of the Year Awards. Martin is up against Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow and COSLA President Pat Waters. To be nominated as a backbench councillor is a significant achievement.
The citations for all three are
The citations for all three are
- Aberdeenshire councillor Martin Ford made the headlines by taking on Donald Trump over the multi-billionaire developer’s plans for a golf course and housing. His stance led to his resignation from the LibDem group on the council.
- Steven Purcell, the Labour leader of Glasgow City Council, is Scotland’s highest profile councillor. In the last few years, he has helped bring the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow and changed the city’s image.
- South Lanarkshire Labour councillor Pat Watters is better known as the president of Cosla and, as such, is the voice of Scottish local government – a difficult job with 32 councils to represent. He has taken risks politically through his consistent support for the concordat with the SNP administration.
Legal threat to council for being 'in bed with Trump' over resort
Scotsman Article
"ABERDEENSHIRE Council is facing court action over claims that the authority is giving "favourable treatment" to Donald Trump in dealing with the tycoon's controversial plans for his £1 billion golf resort."
"ABERDEENSHIRE Council is facing court action over claims that the authority is giving "favourable treatment" to Donald Trump in dealing with the tycoon's controversial plans for his £1 billion golf resort."
Aberdeenshire council ‘too close’ to Trump - Times Online
Aberdeenshire council ‘too close’ to Trump - Times Online
Aberdeenshire Council has some serious questions to answer about its relationship with Trump. We need full disclosure of all communications and an independent inquiry to ensure than the relationship is proper.
Aberdeenshire Council has some serious questions to answer about its relationship with Trump. We need full disclosure of all communications and an independent inquiry to ensure than the relationship is proper.
Where do we built new houses?
The decisions taken regarding the Structure Plan are coming home to roost. Rather than this being some lines on a map and some nice sounding aspirations and some big numbers, we are now seeing what they mean for real. I'm worried that the late addition of 600 houses to the Blockdog-Ellon Strategic Growth Area may be just too much to swallow.
See previous post for details of Structure Plan.
Lots of what I say is about housing numbers. We haven't forgotten employment land and there was a great deal of agreement that we need to encourage more local employment and ensure that allocated employment land was serviced so it could readily be occupied. But it was where housing should go that generated the hardest problems.
See previous post for details of Development bids
So how do the numbers pan out? The area divides into three portions - and we have the first cut on how the big numbers may be divided up across Aberdeenshire.
The Structure Plan fixes the numbers in the SGA area ... so the only route to change this number is to object to the Structure Plan (by 24th April 2009). The other numbers can flex between here and other areas of Aberdeenshire - or an objection to the Structure Plan could change these too! The Local Plan must "conform" to the Structure Plan i.e. if the numbers are in the final approved version of the Structure Plan, then we are talking "where" not "whether"
There was a bit of debate about which settlements were inside the Strategic Growth corridor ... OK yes Balmedie, Ellon ... but Whitecairns? Kingseat? Newburgh? Where would you draw the boundary?
Strategic Growth Area (SGA): 2300 houses
Includes: Balmedie, Potterton, Blackdog, Belhelvie, Foveran, Tipperty, Cultercullen, Ellon
plus also may include Newburgh, Whitecairns, Kingseat, Collieston (else these are Aberdeen Housing Market Area)
Aberdeen Market Housing Area (AHMA): 2350 houses
Includes: Oldmeldrum, Pitmedden/Millden, Tarves, Methlick, Udny Green, Udny Station, Ythanbank
Rural Housing Market Area (RHMA): 680-700 houses
Includes: Turriff, Cuminestown, Daviot, Fisherford, Fyvie, Rothienorman, Aucherless, Woodhead, St.Katherines
So how do we divide up these allocations between settlements?
The SGA development will require whole new Academy and there was general agreement that there should be a new Academy south of Ellon to serve the settlements. Exactly where would you like to see this?
A case was made for going easy on Oldmeldrum .... but that would mean more allocation elsewhere. Can we do this and if so where could this be?
Do we need to ask other parts of Aberdeenshire to take more of the AHMA allocations as we are taking a big lump of the SGA allocation?
Turriff's primary school is full and it would need to take most of the RHMA allocation in order to fund a second - so it's a bit all or nothing. Will that work or should we be growing another place instead or should be just spread the housing through all the settlements?
I'll post more of my thoughts soon, but I'd like to hear your comments.
See previous post for details of Structure Plan.
Lots of what I say is about housing numbers. We haven't forgotten employment land and there was a great deal of agreement that we need to encourage more local employment and ensure that allocated employment land was serviced so it could readily be occupied. But it was where housing should go that generated the hardest problems.
See previous post for details of Development bids
So how do the numbers pan out? The area divides into three portions - and we have the first cut on how the big numbers may be divided up across Aberdeenshire.
The Structure Plan fixes the numbers in the SGA area ... so the only route to change this number is to object to the Structure Plan (by 24th April 2009). The other numbers can flex between here and other areas of Aberdeenshire - or an objection to the Structure Plan could change these too! The Local Plan must "conform" to the Structure Plan i.e. if the numbers are in the final approved version of the Structure Plan, then we are talking "where" not "whether"
There was a bit of debate about which settlements were inside the Strategic Growth corridor ... OK yes Balmedie, Ellon ... but Whitecairns? Kingseat? Newburgh? Where would you draw the boundary?
Strategic Growth Area (SGA): 2300 houses
Includes: Balmedie, Potterton, Blackdog, Belhelvie, Foveran, Tipperty, Cultercullen, Ellon
plus also may include Newburgh, Whitecairns, Kingseat, Collieston (else these are Aberdeen Housing Market Area)
Aberdeen Market Housing Area (AHMA): 2350 houses
Includes: Oldmeldrum, Pitmedden/Millden, Tarves, Methlick, Udny Green, Udny Station, Ythanbank
Rural Housing Market Area (RHMA): 680-700 houses
Includes: Turriff, Cuminestown, Daviot, Fisherford, Fyvie, Rothienorman, Aucherless, Woodhead, St.Katherines
So how do we divide up these allocations between settlements?
The SGA development will require whole new Academy and there was general agreement that there should be a new Academy south of Ellon to serve the settlements. Exactly where would you like to see this?
A case was made for going easy on Oldmeldrum .... but that would mean more allocation elsewhere. Can we do this and if so where could this be?
Do we need to ask other parts of Aberdeenshire to take more of the AHMA allocations as we are taking a big lump of the SGA allocation?
Turriff's primary school is full and it would need to take most of the RHMA allocation in order to fund a second - so it's a bit all or nothing. Will that work or should we be growing another place instead or should be just spread the housing through all the settlements?
I'll post more of my thoughts soon, but I'd like to hear your comments.
Structure Plan (yawn!)
OK. What is it and why should I care?
Most people usually ignore such topics but this plan sets out how Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City will change until 2030.
It proposes a Strategic Growth Area running from the City to Peterhead along the A90 which means the development of 3800 houses from 2007-2030. What does that mean - it adds around half an Ellon to the existing stock.
The plan proposes 800 houses 2007-2016, 1500 houses 2017-23 and 1500 houses 2024-2030
400 of those houses were added on 13th February just 6 days before Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils approved the plan. So much for "widespread engagement and consultation".
So please do go and look at the proposed plan at www.aberdeencityandshire-sdpa.gov.uk.
And if you want to object, please do so to aberdeencityandshire@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
You have until 24th April to objection or a comment - so do it now. Please give your name and address with any objection and clearly indicate which part of the plan you object to.
Most people usually ignore such topics but this plan sets out how Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City will change until 2030.
It proposes a Strategic Growth Area running from the City to Peterhead along the A90 which means the development of 3800 houses from 2007-2030. What does that mean - it adds around half an Ellon to the existing stock.
The plan proposes 800 houses 2007-2016, 1500 houses 2017-23 and 1500 houses 2024-2030
400 of those houses were added on 13th February just 6 days before Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils approved the plan. So much for "widespread engagement and consultation".
So please do go and look at the proposed plan at www.aberdeencityandshire-sdpa.gov.uk.
And if you want to object, please do so to aberdeencityandshire@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
You have until 24th April to objection or a comment - so do it now. Please give your name and address with any objection and clearly indicate which part of the plan you object to.
Next Aberdeenshire Local Plan
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had to tell someone that their objection to a development won’t have much force as the development is in the Local Plan - so even if councillors turned it down, it would be won on appeal.
And now it’s Local Plan consultation time again! I'm not sure the Council is doing this very well - the developers have been asked to submit bids and community councils to comments on where they do/don't want to see development. And we councillors meet on 25th March to discuss the proposals.
But then planners will form the plan based on all this input - and we councillors will be asked to approve it. I'm unconvinced that the degree of consultation will result in public buy-in to what may be very big changes - especially here in a Strategic Growth Area within the Structure Plan.
So ...
Please look at http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/localplan/ldpproposals.asp
It’s all a bit daunting so for a quick overview of settlements in Ellon and District, you may want to just hop to
Auchterless.pdf
Collieston.pdf
EllonNorth.pdf
EllonSouth.pdf
Foveran.pdf
Newburgh.pdf
PettensFarmBalmedie.pdf
Tipperty.pdf and Logie Buchan
Ythanbank.pdf
Please do not panic! Developers routinely take options on land around existing settlements and make bids to have these parcels of land included in the Local Plan. It does not mean that these sites will be developed … but this is your best opportunity to influence where development takes place.
So if there is something on these maps that concern you, please do go to http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/localplan/ldpproposals.asp and find the detailed submission by the developer. Some have further information attached which we have not access to as yet. I’ve asked for copies to be made available to me for all the above settlements and for these to be published onto the web site asap. Until they have been, please post your queries here and I will try to ensure that they are answered (I’d prefer to do this via comments and responses rather than say email as that way, everyone will get the information that anyone asks for but if you don’t want to post your comment do email me).
I do encourage you to comment on this topic and on the developers proposals for the next local plan. But as well as commenting here, please do put your comments to LDP@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
And now it’s Local Plan consultation time again! I'm not sure the Council is doing this very well - the developers have been asked to submit bids and community councils to comments on where they do/don't want to see development. And we councillors meet on 25th March to discuss the proposals.
But then planners will form the plan based on all this input - and we councillors will be asked to approve it. I'm unconvinced that the degree of consultation will result in public buy-in to what may be very big changes - especially here in a Strategic Growth Area within the Structure Plan.
So ...
Please look at http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/localplan/ldpproposals.asp
It’s all a bit daunting so for a quick overview of settlements in Ellon and District, you may want to just hop to
Auchterless.pdf
Collieston.pdf
EllonNorth.pdf
EllonSouth.pdf
Foveran.pdf
Newburgh.pdf
PettensFarmBalmedie.pdf
Tipperty.pdf and Logie Buchan
Ythanbank.pdf
Please do not panic! Developers routinely take options on land around existing settlements and make bids to have these parcels of land included in the Local Plan. It does not mean that these sites will be developed … but this is your best opportunity to influence where development takes place.
So if there is something on these maps that concern you, please do go to http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/localplan/ldpproposals.asp and find the detailed submission by the developer. Some have further information attached which we have not access to as yet. I’ve asked for copies to be made available to me for all the above settlements and for these to be published onto the web site asap. Until they have been, please post your queries here and I will try to ensure that they are answered (I’d prefer to do this via comments and responses rather than say email as that way, everyone will get the information that anyone asks for but if you don’t want to post your comment do email me).
I do encourage you to comment on this topic and on the developers proposals for the next local plan. But as well as commenting here, please do put your comments to LDP@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
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