The appalling weather has delayed work a little. Traditional lime mortar doesn't like torrents of rain but it is still hoped that the Shelter will be complete next week.
Do call past and say Hello to the master craftsmen and their trainees.
Gordon Park Shelter Progress - part 3
The appalling weather has delayed work a little. Traditional lime mortar doesn't like torrents of rain but it is still hoped that the Shelter will be complete next week.
Do call past and say Hello to the master craftsmen and their trainees.
Floods
My sympathy to the family of Mr Sandy Henderson who died when the tractor he was driving was swept away in floods yesterday. It was brave and caring of Mr Henderson to go to the aid of animals trapped by flood water. The outcome is deeply sad.
Flood water can be very dangerous. The photos of the Ythan today where the water is at a twenty-year high show just how easy it is to lose the border between river and land. Please be careful at the water's edge as the flow is currently very rapid..
Right: the Ythan engulfing the right bank below the footbridge at Gordon Park
Left: Above the Gordon Park footbridge
Right: looking north from the F&B Way Viaduct.
Flood water can be very dangerous. The photos of the Ythan today where the water is at a twenty-year high show just how easy it is to lose the border between river and land. Please be careful at the water's edge as the flow is currently very rapid..
Right: the Ythan engulfing the right bank below the footbridge at Gordon Park
Left: Above the Gordon Park footbridge
Right: looking north from the F&B Way Viaduct.
Gordon Park Shelter : Foundations and Wall
Just a quick progress report. The guys tell me that the project is on schedule and the woodwork should appear next week.
Photos of the first steps of the woodwork are posted below.
Photos of the first steps of the woodwork are posted below.
3 tonnes CO2 extra per head in Aberdeenshire
Recent figures published by the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change reveal that Aberdeenshire’s carbon emissions to be 10.8 tonnes per head. This is the third worst in mainland Scotland with only East Lothian and Falkirk being worse. If we take out the industrial & commercial elements, then Aberdeenshire is worst. Aberdeenshire led the way in producing a Sustainability Charter but this seems to be merely a piece of paper full of good intentions rather than a document that has led to real action.
A few weeks ago it emerged that Aberdeenshire was failing to meet its own targets in reducing business travel by over half a million miles per year. On a wider set of figures showing where Aberdeenshire was
also missing its climate change and sustainability targets, I challenged Aberdeenshire’s performance at Infrastructure Services last week but Chair Peter Argyle dismissed my concerns saying it was all in hand. It clearly is not.
Across Aberdeenshire CO2 emissions from 2005 to 2007 showed no change for either domestic consumption or road transport and a small drop for the commercial and industrial sector. But it is worrying that Aberdeenshire is seeing land use changes including deforestation, changes to farm practises and conversion of farmland to settlements that equated to 1.3 tonnes of CO2 emissions per head in 2007, an increase on the 2005 and 2006 figures.”
This clearly can not be sustained. The next local plan will need to be much more robust about ensuring that we stop eating into valuable farmland and reduce the need to travel. NESTRANS will need to refocus
its priorities on public transport improvements, the shift towards walking and cycling and forget about unaffordable road schemes.
This post is part of Blog Action Day 2009 Climate Change
Planning alerts shut down
The planning alert website advertised on thsi site has been shut down and the following message appears
With council's such as Aberdeenshire now limiting the acceptance of public representations to a mere 21 days, such alerts are important. We are not all sad enough to visit Council websites to inspect list of newly submitted applications weekly. But you currently have no alternative but to look at e.g. http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/ and look at the list of applications published weekly.
Please write to your MP asking them to sign Early Day Motion (number EDM 2000) and protest at the actions of The Royal Mail. You can write to your MP here: http://marples.writetothem.
Over 1,250 people have so far signed a petition on the Prime Minister's website, please add your name:
at http://petitions.number10.gov.
And finally do blog and/or write to your local paper.
Thanks
Now the Alerts were not working for Aberdeenshire anyway - a problem I raised with Raymond Reid, Aberdeenshire's head of planning some weeks ago.PlanningAlerts.com is currently experiencing technical difficulties because of ongoing legal action by Royal Mail.
Our provider of postcode data, ErnestMarples.com, has been taken offline because of legal action. Until we find an alternative source, PlanningAlerts.com will be unable to send out any email alerts, or publish data via it's API. We apologise for the inconvenience. For more information, visit the Ernest Marples Blog
With council's such as Aberdeenshire now limiting the acceptance of public representations to a mere 21 days, such alerts are important. We are not all sad enough to visit Council websites to inspect list of newly submitted applications weekly. But you currently have no alternative but to look at e.g. http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/ and look at the list of applications published weekly.
Please write to your MP asking them to sign Early Day Motion (number EDM 2000) and protest at the actions of The Royal Mail. You can write to your MP here: http://marples.writetothem.
Over 1,250 people have so far signed a petition on the Prime Minister's website, please add your name:
at http://petitions.number10.gov.
And finally do blog and/or write to your local paper.
Thanks
Why I am joining the Scottish Greens
I have been thinking about joining the Scottish Green's for a while now.
Patrick Harvie and Robin Harper have been among the few MSPs that have been clear about supporting the human rights of the residents at Menie. Contrast this with the disgraceful silence from the north-east political establishment and the shameful refusal to offer my constituents any comfort supported by the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and SNP alike at the recent meeting of Aberdeenshire Council.
It is clear to me that our current crop of politicians in Aberdeenshire are not up to the job. We need people who have the courage to stand up for what is right to lead us. The time has for a new direction. I want to see Aberdeenshire's credibility and reputation restored - which means replacing those in charge at the next election.
I am joining my friend and colleague, Cllr Martin Ford, in the Scottish Green Party because, like him, I want to work for the restoration of public trust in politics. That means being honest with people about difficult issues like climate change. None of the four main parties is doing that.
In my experience, the public respect and trust politicians who stick to their principles and tell the truth, however hard that is. I see that approach in the Green Party. I certainly don't see it anywhere else in north-east politics.
I urge others disgusted at the failure of political leadership amongst current elected representatives in the north-east to join me in the Scottish Green Party as a first step to giving the north-east a better set of representatives for the future.
Patrick Harvie and Robin Harper have been among the few MSPs that have been clear about supporting the human rights of the residents at Menie. Contrast this with the disgraceful silence from the north-east political establishment and the shameful refusal to offer my constituents any comfort supported by the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and SNP alike at the recent meeting of Aberdeenshire Council.
I am joining my friend and colleague, Cllr Martin Ford, in the Scottish Green Party because, like him, I want to work for the restoration of public trust in politics. That means being honest with people about difficult issues like climate change. None of the four main parties is doing that.
In my experience, the public respect and trust politicians who stick to their principles and tell the truth, however hard that is. I see that approach in the Green Party. I certainly don't see it anywhere else in north-east politics.
I urge others disgusted at the failure of political leadership amongst current elected representatives in the north-east to join me in the Scottish Green Party as a first step to giving the north-east a better set of representatives for the future.
Gude Cause March
A wonderful day - the friendliest march I have ever been part of - it's not often people step of the pavements and join it.
A selection of images ....
A beautiful banner from the Scottish Society of Women Artists 
Three friends and I enjoying wearing our sashes.
Many thanks to the organisers for all their hard work and congratulations for making is such a huge success.
Gordon Park Shelter - first steps
The shelter is a gift to the town from the Princes Foundation with much of the work being done by the trainees who will be working in wood, stone and slate as the shelter is built.
The octagonal shelter involves some interesting angles!
The guys will be one site next week so do call part to say hello.
How Menie masterplans?
I've written to the architects in charge of the masterplanning exercise at Menie asking whether they will be preparing one masterplan or two.
Last week, Aberdeenshire Council failed to rule out the use of compulsory purchase orders for five properties at Menie leaving uncertainty for both residents and the Trump Organisation.
But with the residents determined not to sell willingly and all indications still being that councillors believe that using compulsory purchase powers for private profit would be wrong, Gareth Hoskins Associates now have a problem. Will the realistic boundaries be the original boundaries or can they can include the disputed lands belonging to my constituents? Or should he simply prepare two?
A masterplan was a key requirement of the planning permission granted by Scottish Ministers and the intent was for a masterplan to be agreed before detailed planning permissions can be lodged and any development can start. But until the threat of CPOs is wthdrawn completely, no-one can know where the bounds of the masterplan should be. If my constituents properties are included in the masterplan, it may never be deliverable and the Trump Organisations noise about starting in November may simply be more Trump noise - they don't usually stick to any timetable they advertise.
Note: the only current application at Menie is APP/2009/2479 Marram Grass Planting, Preparatory Earthworks and Chestnut Pale Fencing on the Inner Dunes at Menie Links
which as chestnut pale fencing has been erected is part retrospective.
Thanks to Dan Phillips for permission to use the photo
Last week, Aberdeenshire Council failed to rule out the use of compulsory purchase orders for five properties at Menie leaving uncertainty for both residents and the Trump Organisation.
But with the residents determined not to sell willingly and all indications still being that councillors believe that using compulsory purchase powers for private profit would be wrong, Gareth Hoskins Associates now have a problem. Will the realistic boundaries be the original boundaries or can they can include the disputed lands belonging to my constituents? Or should he simply prepare two?
A masterplan was a key requirement of the planning permission granted by Scottish Ministers and the intent was for a masterplan to be agreed before detailed planning permissions can be lodged and any development can start. But until the threat of CPOs is wthdrawn completely, no-one can know where the bounds of the masterplan should be. If my constituents properties are included in the masterplan, it may never be deliverable and the Trump Organisations noise about starting in November may simply be more Trump noise - they don't usually stick to any timetable they advertise.
which as chestnut pale fencing has been erected is part retrospective.
Thanks to Dan Phillips for permission to use the photo
Earth Hour: 16th December 7pm to 8pm
Last year I posted on Earth Hour an in the run up to the Copenhagen summit on Climate Change, I hope that more and more will join in. As well as individuals and public authorities, many high profile businesses are now getting involved.
It's easy - just turn off your lights for an hour on 16 December at 19.00.
Not much to ask - but a way to send a message that we want the carbon reductions needed to be enforced internationally. And a clear statement from the developed world that we understand we need to reduce our emissions hugely.
It's easy - just turn off your lights for an hour on 16 December at 19.00.
Not much to ask - but a way to send a message that we want the carbon reductions needed to be enforced internationally. And a clear statement from the developed world that we understand we need to reduce our emissions hugely.
A dismal day
The Council decided not to decide.
CPOs seem not be be in favour. But our moves to have them ruled out failed.
On a positive note, we have 15,000 people against CPOs of which over 10,000 are AB postcodes.
We also have a lovely bunch of people of all ages and backgrounds willing to come out and even sit (unnecessarily) through some dull Council business before behaving as well as could be expected in the face of today's events.
The battle must continue. I could not live with myself if I abandoned the families and landowners at Menie to the not so tender mercies of Trump.
So www.trippinuptrump.com for news of the campaign. And www.38degrees.org.uk/donaldtrump for the next tranche of signatures. My colleages need to understand where the public stands on this and that is clear - no CPOs for private profit.
The Motion from Cllr Martin Ford (seconded by me) was
The Amendment from Cllr Kitts-Hayes was
For Martin's motion: Cllrs, Sam Coull, Mark Cullen, Martin Ford, Paul Johnston, Jack Mair, Debra Storr (Local Councillor to Menie Residents)
No Vote: Cllrs Graeme Clark, Linda Clark, Isobel Davidson (Local to Menie Residents), Ian Tait
Not present: Cllrs Alan Buchan, Sydney Mair
Not voting (conflicted) Cllr Wendy Agnew
The remaining 55 voted for the Amendment.
The 55 are
cllr.w.howatson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk (Provost), cllr.m.humphrey@aberdeenshire.gov.uk (Deputy Provost and Tory Leader), cllr.h.al-kowarri@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.j.allan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.m.allan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.p.argyle@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.p.bellarby@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.bews@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.r.bruce@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.g.carr@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.p.chapman@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.k.clark@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.r.cowling@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.j.cox@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.n.cullinane@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.j.dick@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.j.duncan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.duncan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.t.fleming@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.grant@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.i.gray@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.j.gifford@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.hendry@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.f.hood@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.howie@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.m.ingleby@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.m.kitts-hayes@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, , cllr.s.lonchay@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.j.loveday@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.r.mckail@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.f.mcrae@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.p.melling@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.r.merson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk (Local Councillor to Menie Residents), cllr.i.mollison@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.c.nelson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.norrie@aberdeenshire.gov.uk,
cllr.g.owen@aberdeenshire.gov.uk (Local Councillor to Menie Residents)
cllr.s.pratt@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.m.raeburn@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.ritchie@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.robertson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk (Council Leader and Leader of LibDems), cllr.a.ross@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.g.saluja@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.n.smith@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.s.smith@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.j.strathdee@aberdeenshire.gov.uk (Leader of SNP), cllr.s.stronach@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.r.stroud@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.b.stuart@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.m.sullivan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.r.thomas@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.b.topping@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.r.watson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.m.watt@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.j.webster@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
Update Monday : Apologies to Cllr Gillian Owen. I had her incorrectly listed as Non Voting. And at her request I now set the record straight. She voted against Martin's motion and for the "No Action" amendment.
CPOs seem not be be in favour. But our moves to have them ruled out failed.
On a positive note, we have 15,000 people against CPOs of which over 10,000 are AB postcodes.
We also have a lovely bunch of people of all ages and backgrounds willing to come out and even sit (unnecessarily) through some dull Council business before behaving as well as could be expected in the face of today's events.
The battle must continue. I could not live with myself if I abandoned the families and landowners at Menie to the not so tender mercies of Trump.
So www.trippinuptrump.com for news of the campaign. And www.38degrees.org.uk/donaldtrump for the next tranche of signatures. My colleages need to understand where the public stands on this and that is clear - no CPOs for private profit.
The Motion from Cllr Martin Ford (seconded by me) was
"Aberdeenshire Council will not use compulsory purchase powers to force Aberdeenshire residents from their own homes on or adjacent to the Menie Estate"
The Amendment from Cllr Kitts-Hayes was
"As a general principle, Aberdeenshire Council will only consider through due process compulsory purchase orders which are for the benefit of the general public interest.
Aberdeenshire Council appreciates the uncertainty and concerns which are being felt over the use of compulsory purchase powers but will take no action on this particular notice of motion as it would be inappropriate to make a decision without a detailed report being available for full and proper consideration."
For Martin's motion: Cllrs, Sam Coull, Mark Cullen, Martin Ford, Paul Johnston, Jack Mair, Debra Storr (Local Councillor to Menie Residents)
No Vote: Cllrs Graeme Clark, Linda Clark, Isobel Davidson (Local to Menie Residents), Ian Tait
Not present: Cllrs Alan Buchan, Sydney Mair
Not voting (conflicted) Cllr Wendy Agnew
The remaining 55 voted for the Amendment.
The 55 are
cllr.w.howatson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk (Provost), cllr.m.humphrey@aberdeenshire.gov.uk (Deputy Provost and Tory Leader), cllr.h.al-kowarri@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.j.allan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.m.allan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.p.argyle@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.p.bellarby@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.bews@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.r.bruce@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.g.carr@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.p.chapman@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.k.clark@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.r.cowling@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.j.cox@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.n.cullinane@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.j.dick@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.j.duncan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.duncan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.t.fleming@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.grant@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.i.gray@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.j.gifford@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.hendry@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.f.hood@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.howie@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.m.ingleby@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.m.kitts-hayes@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, , cllr.s.lonchay@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.j.loveday@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.r.mckail@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.f.mcrae@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.p.melling@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.r.merson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk (Local Councillor to Menie Residents), cllr.i.mollison@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.c.nelson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.norrie@aberdeenshire.gov.uk,
cllr.g.owen@aberdeenshire.gov.uk (Local Councillor to Menie Residents)
cllr.s.pratt@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.m.raeburn@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.ritchie@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.a.robertson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk (Council Leader and Leader of LibDems), cllr.a.ross@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.g.saluja@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.n.smith@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.s.smith@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.j.strathdee@aberdeenshire.gov.uk (Leader of SNP), cllr.s.stronach@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.r.stroud@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.b.stuart@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.m.sullivan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.r.thomas@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.b.topping@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.r.watson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.m.watt@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, cllr.j.webster@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
Update Monday : Apologies to Cllr Gillian Owen. I had her incorrectly listed as Non Voting. And at her request I now set the record straight. She voted against Martin's motion and for the "No Action" amendment.
Time to put away permanently the CPO threat at Menie
I have now been contacted by all but one of those whose land was added to the outline planning permission on 1st September (see post below). No-one wants to sell. No-one feels it is fair or just to be asked to negotiate with Trump with the threat of CPOs on the table.
Yesterday I was told that part of the threat was very explicit - agree to our offer or as we have the people who wrote the rules on board, you'll be forced to sell anyway on our terms (see Rob Edwards article in the Sunday Herald)
It is not about money for the owners of Mill of Menie, Leyton Cottage, Hermit Point, Menie Fishing Station and Leyton Farm. It is about their right to the peaceful enjoyment of their property. If they wish to sell fine. If they don't no-one should make them.
That is simply what the debate on Thursday should be about.
It's not a difficult question. It doesn't need long reports on the legal and financial ramifications of CPOs. This is something Councils have the powers to do. But Councils can choose not to use those powers.
It's not about money. It's a simply matter of principles and ethics. And it is about people.
Yesterday I was told that part of the threat was very explicit - agree to our offer or as we have the people who wrote the rules on board, you'll be forced to sell anyway on our terms (see Rob Edwards article in the Sunday Herald)
It is not about money for the owners of Mill of Menie, Leyton Cottage, Hermit Point, Menie Fishing Station and Leyton Farm. It is about their right to the peaceful enjoyment of their property. If they wish to sell fine. If they don't no-one should make them.
That is simply what the debate on Thursday should be about.
It's not a difficult question. It doesn't need long reports on the legal and financial ramifications of CPOs. This is something Councils have the powers to do. But Councils can choose not to use those powers.
It's not about money. It's a simply matter of principles and ethics. And it is about people.
Planning Applications for Full Council Determination
It's likely to get lost with all the media circus we expect on Thursday because of the CPO vote, but the last item on the agenda is also important.
The new planning legislation mandates certain types of application, National and Major contrary to the development plan, to be determined by Full Council There appear to be two of these current - the Buchan incinerator and an application for a brewery and associated development on the outskirts of Potterton.
There will be pre-determination hearings for each of these to which all 68 councillors will be invited. It will be an interesting sight to see a hearing with 68 councillors able to ask questions of applicant, objectors and supporters. I suspect for some applications caught by these new rules, there may be more councillors than those wishing to be heard!
Now I am no fan of the changes - I hate rules set by central government unless strictly necessary - and am keen to keep planning decisions local. But given the new rules imposed, one suggestion for Thursday concerns me. It is proposed that the local Area Committee should "make arrangements for .... the separate articulation of any Area Committee observations." Now I think that is a problem: we are told not to make our views of applications known in advance of the meeting to determine the application - so how can we make "observations".
I do believe the local members views are important - but the mechanism proposed is a problem.
The new planning legislation mandates certain types of application, National and Major contrary to the development plan, to be determined by Full Council There appear to be two of these current - the Buchan incinerator and an application for a brewery and associated development on the outskirts of Potterton.
There will be pre-determination hearings for each of these to which all 68 councillors will be invited. It will be an interesting sight to see a hearing with 68 councillors able to ask questions of applicant, objectors and supporters. I suspect for some applications caught by these new rules, there may be more councillors than those wishing to be heard!
Now I am no fan of the changes - I hate rules set by central government unless strictly necessary - and am keen to keep planning decisions local. But given the new rules imposed, one suggestion for Thursday concerns me. It is proposed that the local Area Committee should "make arrangements for .... the separate articulation of any Area Committee observations." Now I think that is a problem: we are told not to make our views of applications known in advance of the meeting to determine the application - so how can we make "observations".
I do believe the local members views are important - but the mechanism proposed is a problem.
Trumpland clearance
The track listis
- More Money Than You - Caroline Kemp
- Trump's a Coof for A'That - Geoff Lamb/Robert Burns
- Trumped Up - Mark McCabe
- This Land is My Land - Geoff Lamb/Woody Guthrie
- Trump International Wants to Build - Sue Edwards/Ralph Butler/Peter Hart.
Extension to Wester Hatton refused
It's not all Trump/Menie here ... and occasionally all councillors agree!
On Tuesday the local planning committee here refused a twenty year extension to the period of operation for a landfill site at Wester Hatton, Aberdeenshire. The planning service recommended grant.
Oddly given the usual enthusiasm for moving Grant or Refusal by local members, three local councillors spoke expressing various shades of opinion before the final and fourth local member, Cllr Paul Johnston moved refusal. I was starting to think I'd have to move the motion .... and there was even a pause before Jim Gifford seconded Paul. This is an interesting one that will almost certainly go to appeal - there is simply so much money at stake. But just how long should a community have to suffer a landfill site?
This one was granted planning permission when I first became a councillor (in fact it was the first planning application I ever spoke on - the first item of the first committee meeting I attended and I was then the local member and had the priviledge of speaking first). It was granted for a limited period of ten years - its then expected life. But it operated for only two or three years without serious problems (some smell to some properties to the north) and then closed. Another landfill opened in the locality not operating to quite such high standards was able to undercut its prices. And yet another landfill opened nearby more recently. It seems that even without this site there is sufficient landfill capacity in the area for decades ahead. So the need case was dramatically different and the weight on this was the serious difference between the views of the planners and those of councillors.
But what now happens to the site? Are the previous conditions for restoration robust enough?
On Tuesday the local planning committee here refused a twenty year extension to the period of operation for a landfill site at Wester Hatton, Aberdeenshire. The planning service recommended grant.
Oddly given the usual enthusiasm for moving Grant or Refusal by local members, three local councillors spoke expressing various shades of opinion before the final and fourth local member, Cllr Paul Johnston moved refusal. I was starting to think I'd have to move the motion .... and there was even a pause before Jim Gifford seconded Paul. This is an interesting one that will almost certainly go to appeal - there is simply so much money at stake. But just how long should a community have to suffer a landfill site?
This one was granted planning permission when I first became a councillor (in fact it was the first planning application I ever spoke on - the first item of the first committee meeting I attended and I was then the local member and had the priviledge of speaking first). It was granted for a limited period of ten years - its then expected life. But it operated for only two or three years without serious problems (some smell to some properties to the north) and then closed. Another landfill opened in the locality not operating to quite such high standards was able to undercut its prices. And yet another landfill opened nearby more recently. It seems that even without this site there is sufficient landfill capacity in the area for decades ahead. So the need case was dramatically different and the weight on this was the serious difference between the views of the planners and those of councillors.
But what now happens to the site? Are the previous conditions for restoration robust enough?
Menie Liberation Front
I suppose that this harmless prank is meant to highlight the taking over our our heritage by the Trump Golf machine.
The vote next Thursday, 1st October to stop Aberdeenshire agreeing to Trump's request to use compulsory purchase powers to acquire my constituent's properties is a key event. Please do come to the Gordon Suite at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre and withness what my colleagues do. The meeting starts at 10.15 am and Cllr Martin Ford's motion is the third item on the Agenda.
See STV news for a good summary of where we are.
Sustainability ... at Menie
Sometimes someone puts their finger on a key issue so elegantly that the only thing to do is point as many people in the right direction as possible so please read this letter in the Scotsman. http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/opinion/Trump-cards.5663441.jp
Thank you, Erica Hollis of Whitecairns, Aberdeenshire.
Thank you, Erica Hollis of Whitecairns, Aberdeenshire.
Beachwatch 2009
Thanks for Rob for organising this again and to the team including a local fishing boat that turned out to work (and drink tea).
Marine litter is a problem. We picked up lots of small pieces of plastic which can be injested by animals. See Adopt a Beach for more information
Please do sign the petition asking for a government action plan to reduce marine litter at http://www.adoptabeach.org.uk/pages/beachwatch_petition.php
Trump Menie Sales Pitch .... Sorry, Masterplan Consultation
Today was the presentation of the Trump-Menie Masterplan/Sales Pitch to the great and good (plus me!).I have no hesitation in saying the the developing zoning diagram (for that is all that yet exists) is better than the dreadful vision presented at the planning application and public local inquiry. But then neither of those could take into account the prospect of 8 storey apartment blocks and the ridiculously designed hotel (I tended to think of it as the bastard child of a Florida beach apartment and Marischall College (sorry, MC)) - it was after all outline planning permission.
For a nice summary of what is proposed see Jonathan Meades polemic at the end of this video.
But I found it interesting how jumpy Sarah Malone (the local quine face of the development) was when I asked the entirely predictable question about future public engagement beyond the current exhibition. And was highly amused to have Ann Faulds, Trump's legal advisor jump in with statements such as we don't have to do any public engagement and we have on board the people who wrote the planning advice notes. I'm just one woman asking a perfectly polite question that they knew in advance I would ask. Dear, dear. No need to be so defensive.
But according to Ann Faulds it does appear that there is a plan for public engagement ... but it won't be published. Why not? What is there to hide?
Other aspects of the presentation that interested me ....
Staff Accommodation
400 units are included in the outline planning permission. There was no mention of these units tonight nor can I find a reference in the nice glossy brochure they were handing out.
Are they being added into the residential area?
If so, why couldn't the 100 affordable houses also be included ... in fact why couldn't the 100 affordable units be incororated anyway?
If they are no longer part of the plan, doesn't that mean the Transport assessments need to be redone?
Separation of Resort and Housing
This still persists. Gareth Hoskins was brave enough to mention the words "gated community" and it wasn't clear to me whether this was what he was designing or whether the resort was to be "exclusive" in a very real sense but the housing was to be more permeable - or whether the whole gated community thing still exists for the whole development.
Community Facilities
The "vision" includes a village centre and words such as community facilities, shops, pubs, cafes were freely bandied about. But unless there is a firm connection to the 950 holiday apartments and the 450 bedroom hotel in the resort, a shop, a cafe and a pub will not be viable (unless Trumpton on Sea is a lot different to other villages in this part of the world) . I think there is a problem here that the zoning diagram thus far hasn't addressed.
Public Access
The zoning diagram shows routes from the land across the dunes and even a link from the residential area to Petten's church. So far so good.
But parking for the general public?
Details of access beyond Pettens into Balmedie?
What about access to/from Foveran and Newburgh? Balmedie village is about 1.5-2km from the houses. Foveran is a just a little further from the resort apartments and Newburgh is about 3km away. But these are all readily within walk/cycle distance.
To follow - but we don't know when as this is the big secret - is some form of Design Code to define the look of the buildings on the site.
Do go and have a look - and you may even want to fill in a comments sheet. Your comments will be confidential. Sounds good that, doesn't it? But it also means that we will never know what is said or whether anyone's comments, however valid, are listened to. Or, more likely, are we back in the Groundhog Day of the public local inquiry when Dr Dargie (environment), Prof Ritchie (geomorpology) and Mr Hawtree (golf course) all said that they have advised macDonald to stay off the SSSI and had been told this wasn't part of the plan.
That's all a bit depressing so to cheer us up a bit - beauty does that - let's remind ourselves just what a special place the Menie dunes are. Please click on this photo to see a stunning interactive panorama. Move your cursor to see the entire 360 degree view.
Thanks to www.RobinWilson.net for this superb image - and do come and walk on the dunes while you can.
Menie Ode
I was sent this yesterday and thought I'd share it with everyone. The author wishes to remain anonymous - but Thank you, Spirit of Iona.
A little poem just for you
To lift you up when you feel blue
Remember always right makes might
and let that be your guiding light
To lift you up when you feel blue
Remember always right makes might
and let that be your guiding light
S-o-I
Ode to Cllr Storr
Now I pen this poem just for you
And hope that you will read it through
My hope is that it will bring relief
In the times that others cause you grief
And hope that you will read it through
My hope is that it will bring relief
In the times that others cause you grief
Like when those opposing don't play fair
Ignoring the duty and office you bear
defaming your person and your name
And pointing out that you're to blame
Ignoring the duty and office you bear
defaming your person and your name
And pointing out that you're to blame
Don't let these things take their toll
Dampening your spirit and destroying your soul
just learn to sing an uplifting song
then pick up the torch and carry on
Dampening your spirit and destroying your soul
just learn to sing an uplifting song
then pick up the torch and carry on
So Never grow weary from this fight
just keep in heart that right makes might
And should opponents throw their sleaze
smile right back and just say 'cheese'
just keep in heart that right makes might
And should opponents throw their sleaze
smile right back and just say 'cheese'
Keep young at heart as long as you can
And don't let your spirit be crushed by this man
just recall the Lyrics of the Labi Siffre song
There's Something inside so strong
And don't let your spirit be crushed by this man
just recall the Lyrics of the Labi Siffre song
There's Something inside so strong
Finally when Trump's cronies get you down
Give a big smile and dare not to frown
Just blow a raspberry and don't get to glum
Remember the 'Latin' 'illigetimi non carborundum'
Give a big smile and dare not to frown
Just blow a raspberry and don't get to glum
Remember the 'Latin' 'illigetimi non carborundum'
Spirit of Iona (2009)
Keep up the good work at the Menie
AB53 Resident
Menie Masterplan Consultation
I have today been invited to a "preview of the developing masterplan exhibition and a presentation by Gareth Hoskins Architects".
The Exhibition will then run from 11am to 7pm on Friday 18th September and from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 19th September.
Venue: White Horse Inn, Balmedie.
Now PAN 83 Masterplanning makes some comments on people's involvement in the process
It will be interesting to hear what the process of engagement is proposed to be - 14 hours of exhibition is not the type of "engagement" that the Scottish Government holds up as exemplars of good practice.
I'll ask for a copy of the Engagement Plan to be published.
Update : Friday evening
Oh dear.
I asked about the Engagement Plan so I could keep the community informed and was told by email from the lovely Sarah Malone
This was confirmed last night by no less than Ann Foulds, Head of Planning and legal at Dundas and Wilson, who amplified that an engagement plan did exist but that it would not be made public. How odd that they are not willing to share this pretty innocuous information
The Exhibition will then run from 11am to 7pm on Friday 18th September and from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 19th September.
Venue: White Horse Inn, Balmedie.
Now PAN 83 Masterplanning makes some comments on people's involvement in the process
"When creating successful places, people must be at the heart of the process. The local community's understanding of the needs of an area are invaluable in establishing priorities and arriving at a vision for a place. Once the local community and key stakeholders (the community in its widest sense) have been identified, early discussions can provide a wealth of information about the area's history and how it functions. An engagement plan could be devised to identify mechanisms for involving the community. These will establish opinions and confirm local people's aspirations for the place. Various types of interests may have to be engaged in different ways. Those planning on engaging local communities throughout a masterplanning process may want to think about the following questions.
Some useful questions to consider when thinking about engaging with the community
The engagement process should be carefully planned and supported by the team involved in the project, or where necessary, skilled facilitators. The success of the process will depend on its participants playing a key part, and knowing that their involvement can make a difference. It's useful if they have access to appropriate information and support throughout the masterplan process, and preferably a single point of contact. Further guidance on effective community engagement is available in PAN 81: Community Engagement, Planning with People."
- How will the community be made aware of the programme for participation?
- How will those most likely to be affected be given opportunities to make their views known?
- Will the engagement be in a manner, location and at a time that allows a wide range of people to make their views known?
- How will the masterplanning team analyse the results of the engagement and provide feedback to the community?
- How will the masterplanning team respond in amending the masterplan?
- How will the community be able to review any changes to the masterplan?
- Where changes are made, how will details of revised plans be publicised with an explanation of how people's views have influenced it?
- How will a management scheme be devised in collaboration with local communities? (For example, the developer may consider assigning community representatives on to a local project review or management panel.)
- How will development agreements be developed in discussion with local communities?
It will be interesting to hear what the process of engagement is proposed to be - 14 hours of exhibition is not the type of "engagement" that the Scottish Government holds up as exemplars of good practice.
I'll ask for a copy of the Engagement Plan to be published.
Update : Friday evening
Oh dear.
I asked about the Engagement Plan so I could keep the community informed and was told by email from the lovely Sarah Malone
"thank you also for your offer to help with our community engagement exercise. This, however, will not be necessary as we have a top team managing the process on our behalf, including the author of PAN."
This was confirmed last night by no less than Ann Foulds, Head of Planning and legal at Dundas and Wilson, who amplified that an engagement plan did exist but that it would not be made public. How odd that they are not willing to share this pretty innocuous information
More Menie Planning Permissions
I have now recovered from a depressing day on Tuesday when my colleagues decided to grant planning permission for Trump to extend the resort to include 5 new areas.
For clarity, as it is difficult for most people to understand what this is all about - and quite properly much of the focus is the threat via Compulsory Purchase to people's homes - I will try to explain why I moved rejection of the five permissions.
Overall there were two reasons for refusal
1. failure of applicant to show how the addition of the site would improve the masterplan for the resort.
This was purely an assertion by Trump. Architecture and Design Scotland said they could not comment as they had not seen any Masterplans and the council's planner oddly missed reporting the views of this vital consultee, charged with overseeing the masterplanning process. A masterplan was released by Trump on 28th August but this has not been agreed nor widely discussed.
2. failure to demonstrate any ADDITIONAL benefits to the wider public for the inclusion of the land
And individually for the sites:
A. Leyton Farm - loss of farmland: lack of environmental assessment
B. Hermit Point - lose of residential accommodation, lost of historic building, no demonstration that there was a conflict in continuing current use or issues with access.
C. Leyton Cottage - loss of residential accommodation and no demontration that there would be a conflcit in continiung current use or issues with access.
D. Menie Fishing Station/Mill of Menie - loss of residential accommodation and loss of farmland, lack fo environmental assessment.
E. Council owned land in the dunes last used as car park - loss of opportunity for public access.
I was pretty confident about the compatibility of use for Hermit Point and Leyton Cottage as the applicant oddly did not also apply to extend the resort into Coastguard Cottages which should logically have simil;ar issues. The Chair of the meetings stopped me from questioning the applicant's agent on why this was so but I have heard comments that it was no co-incidence that those targeted for the planning permissions and thence the CPOs are those who are unwilling to sell.
Low point of meeting : Cllr Isobel Davidson saying that she was supporting the grant so that the residents could "move on". Isobel - if you spoke to our constituents, you would understand they have no wish to move on and away.
Update: 3rd October. I have an apology to make here. Isobel - you spoke very clearly on 1st October saying that your were in principle against the use of CPOs at for the properties in question. Thank you for that and I have removed further comment regarding this. I am sorry I misinterpreted you.
High point : Cllr Rob Merson saying that landownership must be resolved on the basis of "willing buyer, willing seller". Well done to Rob for being the first SNP councillor to give an indication of their views on the CPO. Shame on the rest for not saying.
UPDATE (Friday and Saturday)
Rob Merson has taken exception to my comments regarding him. Please see Comments for his emails to me and my response. I have invited him to post comments here to set the record straight.
Paul Johnston has blogged on this topic.
For clarity, as it is difficult for most people to understand what this is all about - and quite properly much of the focus is the threat via Compulsory Purchase to people's homes - I will try to explain why I moved rejection of the five permissions.
Overall there were two reasons for refusal
1. failure of applicant to show how the addition of the site would improve the masterplan for the resort.
This was purely an assertion by Trump. Architecture and Design Scotland said they could not comment as they had not seen any Masterplans and the council's planner oddly missed reporting the views of this vital consultee, charged with overseeing the masterplanning process. A masterplan was released by Trump on 28th August but this has not been agreed nor widely discussed.
2. failure to demonstrate any ADDITIONAL benefits to the wider public for the inclusion of the land
And individually for the sites:
A. Leyton Farm - loss of farmland: lack of environmental assessment
B. Hermit Point - lose of residential accommodation, lost of historic building, no demonstration that there was a conflict in continuing current use or issues with access.
C. Leyton Cottage - loss of residential accommodation and no demontration that there would be a conflcit in continiung current use or issues with access.
D. Menie Fishing Station/Mill of Menie - loss of residential accommodation and loss of farmland, lack fo environmental assessment.
E. Council owned land in the dunes last used as car park - loss of opportunity for public access.
I was pretty confident about the compatibility of use for Hermit Point and Leyton Cottage as the applicant oddly did not also apply to extend the resort into Coastguard Cottages which should logically have simil;ar issues. The Chair of the meetings stopped me from questioning the applicant's agent on why this was so but I have heard comments that it was no co-incidence that those targeted for the planning permissions and thence the CPOs are those who are unwilling to sell.
Low point of meeting : Cllr Isobel Davidson saying that she was supporting the grant so that the residents could "move on". Isobel - if you spoke to our constituents, you would understand they have no wish to move on and away.
Update: 3rd October. I have an apology to make here. Isobel - you spoke very clearly on 1st October saying that your were in principle against the use of CPOs at for the properties in question. Thank you for that and I have removed further comment regarding this. I am sorry I misinterpreted you.
High point : Cllr Rob Merson saying that landownership must be resolved on the basis of "willing buyer, willing seller". Well done to Rob for being the first SNP councillor to give an indication of their views on the CPO. Shame on the rest for not saying.
UPDATE (Friday and Saturday)
Rob Merson has taken exception to my comments regarding him. Please see Comments for his emails to me and my response. I have invited him to post comments here to set the record straight.
Paul Johnston has blogged on this topic.
Bad Science
I've just finished reading Bad Science by (Dr) Ben Goldacre (and have included the Bad Science Blog List on my Blog List). His main targets are the self-serving mountebanks, selling modern versions of snake oil (and sometimes making millions from this) but lazy journalists, flaky statistics and evil pharma companies are in the frame.
Do read and enjoy.
Speaking these truths hasn't made Dr Goldacre popular - and there are some interesting comments re conformity that partly explain the behaviour of my colleagues over Trump - if you are led to believe that "everyone" thinks something is wonderful, then it's only human to conform. In practise of course, there is almost nothing that "everyone" agrees on ....
So thanks, Ben Goldacre, and I empathaise with you when you describe the intimidation that you have endured for pointing out simple facts.
Do read and enjoy.
Speaking these truths hasn't made Dr Goldacre popular - and there are some interesting comments re conformity that partly explain the behaviour of my colleagues over Trump - if you are led to believe that "everyone" thinks something is wonderful, then it's only human to conform. In practise of course, there is almost nothing that "everyone" agrees on ....
So thanks, Ben Goldacre, and I empathaise with you when you describe the intimidation that you have endured for pointing out simple facts.
Gude Cause
GUDE CAUSE was formed to mark the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement Procession along Princes Street in 1909. The culmination of this celebration will be a re-enactment of this march on 10th October 2009. However we hope that this will be the climax of a series of events in different parts of Scotland, not only to remember that event, but also to mark what has changed in the past century to improve women’s position in society and to draw attention to what still needs to be done.
I remember giving a lift to a delightful lady in my early days as a political worker and as she was struggling with getting out of the house into my car, I suggested she might want a postal vote in future. I was abashed when she told me that the votes for women had been hard fought for - and therefore the effort of going to the poll was well worth it.
So Edinburgh, Saturday 10th October, Bruntsfield Links - gather noon for 1pm start of march.
Anyone fancy joining me?
I have changed my blog colours in honour of Gude Cause to Purple, Green and White.
I remember giving a lift to a delightful lady in my early days as a political worker and as she was struggling with getting out of the house into my car, I suggested she might want a postal vote in future. I was abashed when she told me that the votes for women had been hard fought for - and therefore the effort of going to the poll was well worth it.
So Edinburgh, Saturday 10th October, Bruntsfield Links - gather noon for 1pm start of march.
Anyone fancy joining me?
I have changed my blog colours in honour of Gude Cause to Purple, Green and White.
Making the right choices
As a councillor I am always been asked for decisions.
Some are easy. Some need a lot of thought. Some are basically down to affordability - if we do X then we can't do Y. But occasionally there are issue of fundamental principle.
And the issue of compulsory purchase for some homes on and at the edge of the Menie estate is to me a matter of basic rights. It is one thing for a public authority to take away someones home for a major infrastructure project. But it is another matter entirely for a developer to ask this in the interest of private profit.
The Trump Organisation is quoted as wanting to acquire the homes in question amicably and peacefully. That is the only terms possible - the opposite of amicable and peaceful are not options.
So the Trump Organisation should withdraw their request to use CPOs, even as
a last resort.
I understand from the Sunday Herald that any vote is likely to be against the use of CPOs. I am pleased that it seems that my councillor colleagues feel this way and recent advice from the councils legal team may encourage more to be public in their opposition to the CPOs. Any that support the use of CPOs need to explain in public why they believe it would be just to force people out of their homes. After the Trump Organisation made it perfectly clear at the Public Local Inquiry that they "had all the land they needed" (they said this repeatedly).
In PR terms perhaps 'managed retreat' would be the best (albeit unfamiliar) option for Trump.
More on Newburgh speeding
Aberdeenshire Council have done a speed survey at the north and south of Newburgh. The results are shocking.
Maximum Speed
The Quay : 77mph
Inch Rd : 66mph
In a 30mph zone, this is totally irresponsible.
Almost worse, it the fact that this is not just a few rogue motorists - almost everyone is exceeding the speed limit. Road engineers talk about the 85 percentile speed - the speed that 85 % drive below - or that 15% exceed. It's a pretty good measure of what is regarded as "normal"
The Quay : 42mph
Inch Road : 36mph
It is not acceptable to drive at 6mph - or worse 12mph above the speed limit in any of our villages.
The Council is now looking at how to fund measures to reduce speeds in Newburgh and the police have been asked to step up their use of mobile speed camera.
But the responsibility lies with drivers. Drive at 30mph and it's a 50:50 chance of killing a pedestrian if you hit them Drive at 40mph and there is just a 1 in 10 survival rate. Is a life worth the extra minute or two on your journey that obeying the speed limit would mean?
Trump complaints to the Standards Commission
I have today received a letter clearing me of any breach of the Code of Conduct relating to the events of 22th March when Menie estate security detained me while I was visiting constituents who had raised the issue of locked gates on the estate with me.
It seems from the letter that the Trump Organisation had hoped that the English law of trespass woul apply but the Standards Commission quite properly found that "the right to detain ... a vehicle ... may have been inappropriate or, at least, excessive" - I was after all visiting constituents.
The Trump Organisation complained that I made false and defamatory allegations. The Standards Commission have told the Trump Organisation that "Councillor Storr has the right which we all enjoy to freedom of speech. The Code of Conduct takes account of this and while I accept your right to disagree strongly with Councillor Storr's comments, I am satisfied that they were not of a nature or to a degree as to amount to a breach of any part of the Councillor's Code of Conduct."
So far, so good.
But yesterday, the Trump Organisation said that it has moved against Councillors Ford, Coull, Johnston and myself in an attempt to have us debarred from taking part in consideration of planning applications related to the development and the Compulsory Purchase Order issue. No councillor likes such complaints but I am greatly heartened by the Standards Commission finding on the first complaint and trust that this second complaint will be similarly disposed of.
Scottish climate policy is hypocritical, contradictory and counter-productive
George Monbiot has nailed the hypocrisy of the SNP Government (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/georgemonbiot/2009/aug/07/monbiot-scotland-climate-policy)
The truth is that the SNP Government (or should that be all governments?) care more about short term growth than long term commitments - hence the idiotic phrase "sustainable economic growth" that has replaced sustainable development in government speak.
We have to make the transition from growth based on ever increasing resource consumption to development based on making best use of the limited resources we have. It's not easy. But the longer we put it off the harder it will be.
The truth is that the SNP Government (or should that be all governments?) care more about short term growth than long term commitments - hence the idiotic phrase "sustainable economic growth" that has replaced sustainable development in government speak.
We have to make the transition from growth based on ever increasing resource consumption to development based on making best use of the limited resources we have. It's not easy. But the longer we put it off the harder it will be.
Planning Changes
I'm no great fan of the changes in the planning system that go live today - but we are now stuck with them.
So here is a brief guide to what the changes are and what impact these changes have on members of the public.
Applications are divided into three types - National (usually big infrastructure), Major (50 + houses or over 2 hectares) and Local (anything else. The general media are treating Local as things like neighbours house extensions but Local is still pretty big - most developments here are less than 50 houses now and there may be an incentive for developers to package their applications into blocks of less than 50!
In general, the public will need to be more alert to planning application than before so my first piece of advice is
Check the Planning Register regularly for both newly submitted application and for Pre-application consultations for Major Developments.
In Aberdeenshire, the list of application submitted in the past week can be found at http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/lists/index.asp#f
When I see where the list of pre-application consultations are published, I'll edit this post to update.
Submit your respresentations early. Aberdeenshire will only accept as valid representations those submitted within 21 days of the application being accepted - so from seeing it on the weekly list, you may just have two weeks to object.
If you miss this deadline, do submit your representation anyway - else we won't be able to get a proper picture of how much public comment on planning applications is being disregarded as a result of this change. But you may also wish to ask your community council to submit a represntation on your behalf - as statutory consultees, they get longer.
If the development is Major, then developers will need to undertake pre-application consultation with the local community. Look out for these in the local press and on village notice boards etc but I hope Aberdeenshire will also publish details on one place and if they do I will publich a link here.
Planning officers will have more decisions delegated to them. If they refuse a Local application, the appeal will be to a Local Review Board. Here the Local Review Boards will consist of a small group of councillors drawn from across Aberdeenshire who have the power to ask for further submissions from applicants and objectors, conduct hearings and site visits. They will then make the final decision and will have to give reasons for that decision. We are told that no further appeal (except of legal technicalities) will be possible - but some lawyers think the system is so flawed that tests in court will be inevitable. We will see how these work in practise!
Where there is a substantial body of local objection, applications will still come to Council committees and then these will be subject to appeal to Scottish Ministers.
Good luck - and do refer to the Local Plan to see planning policies and therefore good grounds for objection.
So here is a brief guide to what the changes are and what impact these changes have on members of the public.
Applications are divided into three types - National (usually big infrastructure), Major (50 + houses or over 2 hectares) and Local (anything else. The general media are treating Local as things like neighbours house extensions but Local is still pretty big - most developments here are less than 50 houses now and there may be an incentive for developers to package their applications into blocks of less than 50!
In general, the public will need to be more alert to planning application than before so my first piece of advice is
Check the Planning Register regularly for both newly submitted application and for Pre-application consultations for Major Developments.
In Aberdeenshire, the list of application submitted in the past week can be found at http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/lists/index.asp#f
When I see where the list of pre-application consultations are published, I'll edit this post to update.
Submit your respresentations early. Aberdeenshire will only accept as valid representations those submitted within 21 days of the application being accepted - so from seeing it on the weekly list, you may just have two weeks to object.
If you miss this deadline, do submit your representation anyway - else we won't be able to get a proper picture of how much public comment on planning applications is being disregarded as a result of this change. But you may also wish to ask your community council to submit a represntation on your behalf - as statutory consultees, they get longer.
If the development is Major, then developers will need to undertake pre-application consultation with the local community. Look out for these in the local press and on village notice boards etc but I hope Aberdeenshire will also publish details on one place and if they do I will publich a link here.
Planning officers will have more decisions delegated to them. If they refuse a Local application, the appeal will be to a Local Review Board. Here the Local Review Boards will consist of a small group of councillors drawn from across Aberdeenshire who have the power to ask for further submissions from applicants and objectors, conduct hearings and site visits. They will then make the final decision and will have to give reasons for that decision. We are told that no further appeal (except of legal technicalities) will be possible - but some lawyers think the system is so flawed that tests in court will be inevitable. We will see how these work in practise!
Where there is a substantial body of local objection, applications will still come to Council committees and then these will be subject to appeal to Scottish Ministers.
Good luck - and do refer to the Local Plan to see planning policies and therefore good grounds for objection.
Debbie Purdy
I am pleased that the Law Lords have told the Director of Public Prosecutions that he must clarify the position regarding accompanying people to other countries where assisted suicide is legal.
Debbie Purdy is quoted as saying this "gives her her life back" and the relief in her voice gives us all powerful message. She would have travelled alone if necessary and I am so glad she now feels she can ask her husband to travel with her and have him there to the end - if it comes to it.
I personally believe that assisted suicide should be legalised. Of course there should be appropriate controls to ensure that this is a settled desire of the individual without pressure from outside but ultimately we should have the right to die with dignity if that is our choice.
More information from the BBC
Debbie Purdy is quoted as saying this "gives her her life back" and the relief in her voice gives us all powerful message. She would have travelled alone if necessary and I am so glad she now feels she can ask her husband to travel with her and have him there to the end - if it comes to it.
I personally believe that assisted suicide should be legalised. Of course there should be appropriate controls to ensure that this is a settled desire of the individual without pressure from outside but ultimately we should have the right to die with dignity if that is our choice.
More information from the BBC
Different approaches - different results ....
Under the headline Golf course to make Trump green with envy, The Scotman talks about the Machrihanish Dunes golf course in Mull of Kintyre and the approach taken by its American developer. In contrast to Menie, no conservation group opposed the 200-acre, £4 million course.
There are some choice quotes from the developer, the project architect and SNH.
David Southworth, the American owner said "We have the same colour passport, but other than that we are totally different people."
Paul Kimber, project architect, said: "Some people try and bully their way with money or jobs. We decided to take a different approach and work with ecologists right through the whole project. When we first made some plans we got it completely wrong and had to start again from scratch."
Andrew Campbell, SNH operations manager for Argyll and Bute, lavished praise on the golf course. "The spirit of co-operation and collaboration has made it a really delightful site. We have had no conflict at all on this. We have got a SSSI being managed in an almost perfect way."
He added; "The end result is not only a fantastically challenging golf course but one that is sustainable, resilient and in harmony with the wildlife and landscape – an example that can be followed worldwide."
There are some choice quotes from the developer, the project architect and SNH.
David Southworth, the American owner said "We have the same colour passport, but other than that we are totally different people."
Paul Kimber, project architect, said: "Some people try and bully their way with money or jobs. We decided to take a different approach and work with ecologists right through the whole project. When we first made some plans we got it completely wrong and had to start again from scratch."
Andrew Campbell, SNH operations manager for Argyll and Bute, lavished praise on the golf course. "The spirit of co-operation and collaboration has made it a really delightful site. We have had no conflict at all on this. We have got a SSSI being managed in an almost perfect way."
He added; "The end result is not only a fantastically challenging golf course but one that is sustainable, resilient and in harmony with the wildlife and landscape – an example that can be followed worldwide."
Hear, hear!
And Here, Here (but sadly not!)
It does all of course depend on what the SSSI is all about. Some SSSI designations can be compatible with golf. But if the designation is mainly about geomorphology - and Foveran Dunes are one of the largest mobile sand sheets in Europe - then stablising the dunes and grassing them over means that the reason for the designation is lost. Simple to understand really.
No Clearances
It would be outrageous for families living within and adjacent to the Menie Estate to be forced out of their houses. But the Trump Organisation has talked to Aberdeenshire Council about their using compulsory purchase powers to do just that.
Once I would have dismissed the idea out of hand - compulsory purchase powers have been given to local authorities to use as a last resort in cases where taking a property into public ownership is clearly in the public interest. For Aberdeenshire Council to do this in the interests of a developer would be - to say the least - unusual. Can anyone find a precedent for a council doing such?
So I will be supporting Martin Ford's motion that will be discussed by Aberdeenshire Council on 1st October that says Aberdeenshire will have no part in using compulsory purchase powers in regard to properties on or adjacent to the Menie Estate.
I hope other councillors will see this motion as simply supporting local residents in the normal exercise of their rights as property owners to continue enjoying where they live. But to expect people to negotiate with Trump with the threat of compulsory purchase is unfair. I hope that my councillor colleages will agree we should leave this to the normal processes between developers and landowners. And that the Trump Organisation will also withdraw from asking for such action and show more respect for people who may be neighbours for many years.
Once I would have dismissed the idea out of hand - compulsory purchase powers have been given to local authorities to use as a last resort in cases where taking a property into public ownership is clearly in the public interest. For Aberdeenshire Council to do this in the interests of a developer would be - to say the least - unusual. Can anyone find a precedent for a council doing such?
So I will be supporting Martin Ford's motion that will be discussed by Aberdeenshire Council on 1st October that says Aberdeenshire will have no part in using compulsory purchase powers in regard to properties on or adjacent to the Menie Estate.
I hope other councillors will see this motion as simply supporting local residents in the normal exercise of their rights as property owners to continue enjoying where they live. But to expect people to negotiate with Trump with the threat of compulsory purchase is unfair. I hope that my councillor colleages will agree we should leave this to the normal processes between developers and landowners. And that the Trump Organisation will also withdraw from asking for such action and show more respect for people who may be neighbours for many years.
Well said on new CRM checks in Engalnd
Saved from abuse - but doomed to illiteracy
I hope the Scottish Government do not follow this lead. It seems that the proposed changes in Disclosure Scotland are better designed to focus those with regular one to one contact with children and vulnerable adults.
We must remember that most abuse of not "Stranger, Danger".
Thanks for the posting, Sara,
I hope the Scottish Government do not follow this lead. It seems that the proposed changes in Disclosure Scotland are better designed to focus those with regular one to one contact with children and vulnerable adults.
We must remember that most abuse of not "Stranger, Danger".
Thanks for the posting, Sara,
Newburgh Speeding
After many complaints about speeding at the north and south of Newburgh, Sergeant Smith, PC Ivancic and I spent part of Saturday with a mobile speed camera at the south of the village and discussing the problem.
We saw many cars obviously putting the anchors on when they say the police vests but even despite this PC Ivancic stopped seven cars in the short period we were there, and one was traveling at 40mph. In June, 10 drivers were caught and will be fined and have points added to their license. The worst case was a car traveling at 52mph.
Amazingly some entering the village who slowed past us, then speeded up sufficiently to trigger the 30mph warning sign just a short distance further.
Speeding is not a victimless crime - Sergeant Smith said the worst part of his job was calling on parents to tell them that their child, pedestrian or young driver, was dead.
With the odds of surviving a collision at 40mpg being less than 1 in 5 and the odds at under 20mpg being better than 4 in 5, ther are good reason for speed limits in all our villages. We all have a choice whether to think about how our actions may impact others - or simply get somewhere fast.
Please think.
Politics is still in a mess
Our MPs still do not seem to have "got it" regarding how they conduct themselves.
AS citizens, we need to be able to trust all our elected representatives and an important part of that is transparency - and push comes to shove being able to get rid of them. This is a key reason why I believe STV is the best electoral system - it allows choice between candidates of the same party.
But "turkeys don't vote for Xmas" so the correct route is a Citizen's Convention.
Click here to email your MP in less than 3 minutes, and ask them to support a Citizens' convention
Thanks for getting involved,
AS citizens, we need to be able to trust all our elected representatives and an important part of that is transparency - and push comes to shove being able to get rid of them. This is a key reason why I believe STV is the best electoral system - it allows choice between candidates of the same party.
But "turkeys don't vote for Xmas" so the correct route is a Citizen's Convention.
Click here to email your MP in less than 3 minutes, and ask them to support a Citizens' convention
Thanks for getting involved,
RSPB letter to the future
I've just signed the RSPB's letter to the Future.
In this time of economic turmoil, it's easy to forget our responsibilities towards a sustainable future - but perhaps we also have an opportunity to review our values.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/lettertothefuture
In this time of economic turmoil, it's easy to forget our responsibilities towards a sustainable future - but perhaps we also have an opportunity to review our values.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/lettertothefuture
Core Path - Final lap
The final consultation of the Draft Core Paths Plan for Aberdeenshire has started and ends on 14th September 2009.
Information on the plan is at http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/outdooraccess/core_paths_plan/index.as
and the maps are at http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/outdooraccess/core_paths_plan/maps.asp
Responses are supposed to be on a special form - I've asked for this to be made available as a Word document rather than just a pdf to make it easier for people.
As ever, do have your say ....
Information on the plan is at http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/outdooraccess/core_paths_plan/index.as
and the maps are at http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/outdooraccess/core_paths_plan/maps.asp
Responses are supposed to be on a special form - I've asked for this to be made available as a Word document rather than just a pdf to make it easier for people.
As ever, do have your say ....
Conduct Committee
I gather than the Press and Journal are likely to appeal to the Information Commissioner regarding Aberdeenshire Council's refusal to release the papers relating to Cllr Ian Tait's suspension.
Cllr Tait has made it clear that he is willing for the material to be released .... and the reasons cited today for refusal in the P&J do seem to fall into the categories that allow information to be exempt from publication - see http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1264883?UserKey= for full story. The reasons for refusal were quoted as
The following quote from the Information Commissioner's website is interesting
I asked for the material to be released to me as a councillor (not into the public domain) so that I would know exactly what Cllr Tait is accused of. This was refused and I have since operated on the assumption of innocence as I believe such matters should be dealt with by the independent Standads Commission rather than an internal Conduct Committee.
I hope the Information Commissioner makes quick ruling - the sooner the facts are in the public domain the better for everyone.
Cllr Tait has made it clear that he is willing for the material to be released .... and the reasons cited today for refusal in the P&J do seem to fall into the categories that allow information to be exempt from publication - see http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1264883?UserKey= for full story. The reasons for refusal were quoted as
The panel decided that “the public interest in maintaining the exemptions outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information”.Its refusal notice added: “The review panel considered that public authorities should be entitled to carry out what are essentially disciplinary investigations outwith the public glare.”
The following quote from the Information Commissioner's website is interesting
Q. Can the authority often decide it is in the public interest to keep information secret?A. When the authority is deciding whether it is in the public interest to provide information or not, it cannot and should not take the following into account:
I asked for the material to be released to me as a councillor (not into the public domain) so that I would know exactly what Cllr Tait is accused of. This was refused and I have since operated on the assumption of innocence as I believe such matters should be dealt with by the independent Standads Commission rather than an internal Conduct Committee.
I hope the Information Commissioner makes quick ruling - the sooner the facts are in the public domain the better for everyone.
Spatial Planning - a wider view
Thanks to the University of Aberdeen, Queen’s University Belfast and The National University of Ireland – Maynooth for the establishment of the Irish Scottish Forum for Spatial Planning.
There were an impressive range of speakers for the Forum's first meeting on Friday and Saturday - and it well met its goal of "to place formal planning and spatial imagining in broader historical, cultural, and environmental perspective, and to relate this to evolving concepts of the ‘nation’ and identity. "
I look forward to more such meetings.
Thank you!
There were an impressive range of speakers for the Forum's first meeting on Friday and Saturday - and it well met its goal of "to place formal planning and spatial imagining in broader historical, cultural, and environmental perspective, and to relate this to evolving concepts of the ‘nation’ and identity. "
I look forward to more such meetings.
Thank you!
Western Isles
I have just spent a week on holiday on Lewis and Harris. I am very impressed with the islands - a truly magical place to kayak around (when the weather is kind).
But what really struck me was the people. So welcoming and friendly. So interested and engaged with everything around them.
The consensus of local opinion was that the reduction in ferry fares from the pilot of Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) has led to more visitors. I hope they do get more visitors who in their turn support the very many local and community-led attractions and businesses.
Now just what will I do with the Harris Tweed I came home with?
But what really struck me was the people. So welcoming and friendly. So interested and engaged with everything around them.
The consensus of local opinion was that the reduction in ferry fares from the pilot of Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) has led to more visitors. I hope they do get more visitors who in their turn support the very many local and community-led attractions and businesses.
Now just what will I do with the Harris Tweed I came home with?
Planning changes in Aberdeenshire
Oh dear.
The Scottish Government is introducing new rules for how local authorities handle planning applications. There is lots of detail but if I can pick up a few issues
1. Applications are divided into National (determined by the Scottish Government), Major (50 + houses or over 2 ha of development) which is outside the Local Development Plan must be decided by Full Council, and Local (everything else).
2. More powers will be delegated to officers to grant/refuse applications (and Aberdeenshire proposes this continues to be in consultation with councillors). Appeals against those decisions will no longer be to the Scottish Government's Reporters but to Local Review Bodies (LRB). It's for each council to decide how many of these there are and Aberdeenshire is currently proposing just one. I think that is a mistake for such a large geographic area. And with a predicted workload of 50 or more cases a year, and each case potentially entailing a site visit, possibly a hearing and then the actual determination, I don't think this will be enough. I've yet to get a proper answer on why the Local Review Boards can't echo Area Committees - Scotland's Cheif Planner, Jim McKinnon certainly indicated that there was no bar for 6 LRBs in Aberdeenshire.
3. On the back of these changes, in Aberdeenshire, it is now proposed that objections must be lodged within 21 days of the application being submitted in order to be valid. Now I've always praised Aberdeenshire for being willing to accept objections so long as an application was undetermined. This does present problems - what reasonably can we do with a letter lodged a day or two before committee meets to determine an application? But I don't see the need to cut off objections so early. And applicants can and will add extra information about their application - and objectors should have an opportunity to respond.
It's worrying - we seem to be throwing babies out with bathwater.
The Scottish Government is introducing new rules for how local authorities handle planning applications. There is lots of detail but if I can pick up a few issues
1. Applications are divided into National (determined by the Scottish Government), Major (50 + houses or over 2 ha of development) which is outside the Local Development Plan must be decided by Full Council, and Local (everything else).
2. More powers will be delegated to officers to grant/refuse applications (and Aberdeenshire proposes this continues to be in consultation with councillors). Appeals against those decisions will no longer be to the Scottish Government's Reporters but to Local Review Bodies (LRB). It's for each council to decide how many of these there are and Aberdeenshire is currently proposing just one. I think that is a mistake for such a large geographic area. And with a predicted workload of 50 or more cases a year, and each case potentially entailing a site visit, possibly a hearing and then the actual determination, I don't think this will be enough. I've yet to get a proper answer on why the Local Review Boards can't echo Area Committees - Scotland's Cheif Planner, Jim McKinnon certainly indicated that there was no bar for 6 LRBs in Aberdeenshire.
3. On the back of these changes, in Aberdeenshire, it is now proposed that objections must be lodged within 21 days of the application being submitted in order to be valid. Now I've always praised Aberdeenshire for being willing to accept objections so long as an application was undetermined. This does present problems - what reasonably can we do with a letter lodged a day or two before committee meets to determine an application? But I don't see the need to cut off objections so early. And applicants can and will add extra information about their application - and objectors should have an opportunity to respond.
It's worrying - we seem to be throwing babies out with bathwater.
State of the East Grampian Coast
I spent today at an enormously enjoyable East Grampian Coast Partnership Meeting. As well as a super lunch (the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses were showing off local produce, especially fish - and I can recommend their catering for any occasion), there was a lively an informative series of speakers.
The main topic was their State of the Coast Report. This should be a useful baseline for all agencies to use to inform decision making and help enhance our (already wonderful) coast. Do go and look at the draft and add your comments by 22nd June before publication of the final version.
The main topic was their State of the Coast Report. This should be a useful baseline for all agencies to use to inform decision making and help enhance our (already wonderful) coast. Do go and look at the draft and add your comments by 22nd June before publication of the final version.
Expenses
From what I can gather from the information published on MPs expenses, I fear some of our elected representatives have been working the system. OK - they may not have actually broken the letter of the rules .... but some of the claims that seem to have been made clearly fail the "Evening Express" test - would a reasonable person reading this in their evening newspaper, think there was something wrong?
And some of the justifications cited would be laughable if the situation weren't so serious .... if we can't trust MPs to behave properly on the relatively small matter of expenses, how can we expect them to behave properly in their role as legislators?
On Radio 4 this morning Harriet Harman cited the roof-top protest on her house as a reason to keep MPs home addresses secret. But councillors home addresses are public - and we are also not immune from having someone turn up on our doorstep and behave in a threatening manner (as I know from November 2007) - and arguably, we are more vulnerable as the decisions we make are executive decisions that immediately affect people's lives rather than legislative ones that have a less immediate impact.
Routine full disclosure is the only way ... and I do hope that this will induce better behaviour, regardless of what the rules say. If you don't want your claim published, don't make the claim!
And some of the justifications cited would be laughable if the situation weren't so serious .... if we can't trust MPs to behave properly on the relatively small matter of expenses, how can we expect them to behave properly in their role as legislators?
On Radio 4 this morning Harriet Harman cited the roof-top protest on her house as a reason to keep MPs home addresses secret. But councillors home addresses are public - and we are also not immune from having someone turn up on our doorstep and behave in a threatening manner (as I know from November 2007) - and arguably, we are more vulnerable as the decisions we make are executive decisions that immediately affect people's lives rather than legislative ones that have a less immediate impact.
Routine full disclosure is the only way ... and I do hope that this will induce better behaviour, regardless of what the rules say. If you don't want your claim published, don't make the claim!
Local Plan Consultation
There are public workshops planned in conjunction with the Main Issues Report. They are at various locations around Aberdeenshire, starting at 7pm. Do pop one or more of these dates in your diary and have your say.
Mon 25th May - Ellon, New Inn
Tues 26th May - Stonehaven - Mackie Academy (TBC)
Wed 27th May - Westhill, Holiday Inn
Thurs 28th May, Balmedie, White Horse Inn
Mon 1st June, Banff, Fife Lodge
Tues 2nd June, Newmachar, Newmachar Primary
Tues 2nd June, Oldmeldrum, Meldrum Academy
Wed 3rd June, Laurencekirk, Mearns Academy
Wed 3rd June, Aboye, Community Centre
Thurs 4th June, Fraserburgh, Fraserburgh Academy (TBC)
Thurs 4th June, Kintore, Primary School
Mon 8th June, Inverurie, Town Hall
Mon 8th June, Peterhead, Palace Hotel
Tues 9th June, Alford, Alford Hall (TBC)
Tues 9th June, banchory, Burnett Arms Hotel
Wed 10th June, Cruden Bay, Port Errol Hall
Wed 10th June, Huntly, Stewart Hall
Thurs 11th June, Turriff, Turriff Academy
Thurs 11th June, Mintlaw, Mintlaw Academy (TBC)
Mon 15th June, Blackburn, Kinellar Primary School
Tues 16th June, Insch Carriages Hotel
Wed 17th June, Torphins, Learney Town Hall
Thurs 18th June, Portlethan, Portlethan Academy
Mon 25th May - Ellon, New Inn
Tues 26th May - Stonehaven - Mackie Academy (TBC)
Wed 27th May - Westhill, Holiday Inn
Thurs 28th May, Balmedie, White Horse Inn
Mon 1st June, Banff, Fife Lodge
Tues 2nd June, Newmachar, Newmachar Primary
Tues 2nd June, Oldmeldrum, Meldrum Academy
Wed 3rd June, Laurencekirk, Mearns Academy
Wed 3rd June, Aboye, Community Centre
Thurs 4th June, Fraserburgh, Fraserburgh Academy (TBC)
Thurs 4th June, Kintore, Primary School
Mon 8th June, Inverurie, Town Hall
Mon 8th June, Peterhead, Palace Hotel
Tues 9th June, Alford, Alford Hall (TBC)
Tues 9th June, banchory, Burnett Arms Hotel
Wed 10th June, Cruden Bay, Port Errol Hall
Wed 10th June, Huntly, Stewart Hall
Thurs 11th June, Turriff, Turriff Academy
Thurs 11th June, Mintlaw, Mintlaw Academy (TBC)
Mon 15th June, Blackburn, Kinellar Primary School
Tues 16th June, Insch Carriages Hotel
Wed 17th June, Torphins, Learney Town Hall
Thurs 18th June, Portlethan, Portlethan Academy
Next Local Plan
Today Aberdeenshire Council approved a Main Issues Report as the next step towards the next Local Plan.
Response to this consultation are critical to the formation of the new Local Plan - and that will shape development in Aberdeenshire for the next decade.
Unfortunately, there are some fundamental issues in the report that are unresolved. For example in the Ellon-Blackdog Strategic Growth Area, the Structure Plan says there should be 800 houses built 2007-2016 and 1500 2017-2023. Now do those number include or exclude the 650 houses granted outline planning permission in relation tot he Menie estate development. It's not clear.
And if, as rumoured given the squeeze on government finances, the WPR is cancelled/delayed, the the Bridge of Don-Peterhead SGA feasible?
However, do not let these uncertainties put you off from commenting. You have from now until 6th July to respond. The Main Issues Report we discussed today had 7 pages of errata and there is also a Monitoring Report and Environmental Report that are to be published to support the consultation. However you can see the information published thus far at
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/localplan/local_development.asp
If I can help you to understand the report or the process, please do get in touch.
Response to this consultation are critical to the formation of the new Local Plan - and that will shape development in Aberdeenshire for the next decade.
Unfortunately, there are some fundamental issues in the report that are unresolved. For example in the Ellon-Blackdog Strategic Growth Area, the Structure Plan says there should be 800 houses built 2007-2016 and 1500 2017-2023. Now do those number include or exclude the 650 houses granted outline planning permission in relation tot he Menie estate development. It's not clear.
And if, as rumoured given the squeeze on government finances, the WPR is cancelled/delayed, the the Bridge of Don-Peterhead SGA feasible?
However, do not let these uncertainties put you off from commenting. You have from now until 6th July to respond. The Main Issues Report we discussed today had 7 pages of errata and there is also a Monitoring Report and Environmental Report that are to be published to support the consultation. However you can see the information published thus far at
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/localplan/local_development.asp
If I can help you to understand the report or the process, please do get in touch.
Scenic or Not?
I love the new Scenic or Not website where we get to rate pictures taken from all over the UK.
It's fun ... but I do hope we can use such tools to help understand what we value in our environment. We clearly do make distinctions between views ... just what is the difference between a view with and without electric pylons, wind-turbines, road signs, houses ....
Do have a go ... http://scenic.mysociety.org/
It's fun ... but I do hope we can use such tools to help understand what we value in our environment. We clearly do make distinctions between views ... just what is the difference between a view with and without electric pylons, wind-turbines, road signs, houses ....
Do have a go ... http://scenic.mysociety.org/
Structure Plan
I've sent off three objections to the Structure Plan. Deadline is 24th April so if you were intending to object, then DO IT NOW.
In the current - and future - environment, the total number of houses needs to be scaled back to reality else orderly planning will be meaningless. The last minutes addition of 600 houses to the allocation for the Blackdog to Ellon bit of the Strategic Growth Corridor was without consultation or rationale.
Public transport provision on the Aberdeen-Peterhead corridor needs to be ramped up. The other Strategic Growth corridors have rail available and existing dual carriageway roads within the Aberdeen Housing Market Area. This corridor has nothing and no suggestion that anything is forthcoming as part of the plans.
Community Infrastructure needs to lead development - too much has already been built without the investment in health, education, leisure and other community facilities. And we need parallel development to provide jobs to avoid the further development of commnter towns and the stress this places on local shops, etc.
In the current - and future - environment, the total number of houses needs to be scaled back to reality else orderly planning will be meaningless. The last minutes addition of 600 houses to the allocation for the Blackdog to Ellon bit of the Strategic Growth Corridor was without consultation or rationale.
Public transport provision on the Aberdeen-Peterhead corridor needs to be ramped up. The other Strategic Growth corridors have rail available and existing dual carriageway roads within the Aberdeen Housing Market Area. This corridor has nothing and no suggestion that anything is forthcoming as part of the plans.
Community Infrastructure needs to lead development - too much has already been built without the investment in health, education, leisure and other community facilities. And we need parallel development to provide jobs to avoid the further development of commnter towns and the stress this places on local shops, etc.
Electric Cars
Oh Dear.
£250m to boost use of electric cars is sold as a great environmental initiative.
But the electricity needs to be generated from somewhere ... and in the course of generation, and transmission, there are gigantic losses. So we need to generate even more electricity than would have been needed to run the same cars on petrol or diesel in the first place.
Now I also don't know how I'd manage without my car - but most of my jouney's could be cut out if the public transport to my village were better. With just 6% of journeys by public transport the scope for growth here is enormous - imagine what a difference doubling the frequency of service in your area would make. Imagine if that 6% were 12% and the impact of taking all those cars off the road for those journeys.
£250m to boost use of electric cars is sold as a great environmental initiative.
But the electricity needs to be generated from somewhere ... and in the course of generation, and transmission, there are gigantic losses. So we need to generate even more electricity than would have been needed to run the same cars on petrol or diesel in the first place.
Now I also don't know how I'd manage without my car - but most of my jouney's could be cut out if the public transport to my village were better. With just 6% of journeys by public transport the scope for growth here is enormous - imagine what a difference doubling the frequency of service in your area would make. Imagine if that 6% were 12% and the impact of taking all those cars off the road for those journeys.
Standards of Trump
I was told by a reporter that the Trump Organisation has reported me to the Standards Commission for over-stepping my duties as councillor regarding public access at Menie (see earlier article). As I was simply responding to constituent complaints and inspecting a situation myself, I am totally confident that the Standards Commission will dismiss the compliant.
The more interesting question is what the police will do regarding my complaint to the police about being unlawfully detained by the Menie Estate security guards.
It is worth recording here that the gates around the estate are now unlocked. I have been advised of this by residents and by Aberdeenshire Council's Access Officer. I hope the Menie Estate now understand the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and we will have no more nonsense of locked gates.
The more interesting question is what the police will do regarding my complaint to the police about being unlawfully detained by the Menie Estate security guards.
It is worth recording here that the gates around the estate are now unlocked. I have been advised of this by residents and by Aberdeenshire Council's Access Officer. I hope the Menie Estate now understand the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and we will have no more nonsense of locked gates.
Spey Kayak Marathon
Lovely day outdoors taking part in the Spey Marathon - the first of three in the Highland Series. A good turnout and we collectively worked round the problem of a locked gate at Delnapot giving us a 250m portage to the water from the public road. Beautiful sunny day and a good crowd with a wide age range of paddlers (over 50 years of range).
Gordon and I were pleased to win the double sea kayak category.
Gordon and I were pleased to win the double sea kayak category.
Depression - Challenge from Age Concern
I took Age Concern's quiz about spotting depression in older people. Interesting - have go.
http://www.takethechallenge.org.uk/
http://www.takethechallenge.org.uk/
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