They must be hungry to be so bold and therefore we need to be careful not to disturb them so they can conserve energy after this bad winter.
Roe Deer
They must be hungry to be so bold and therefore we need to be careful not to disturb them so they can conserve energy after this bad winter.
Masterplan for Menie
Now please don't confuse a picture with a masterplan. But for what it is worth, this is what Trump put out to the press today with my annotations of what is where.
At the published scale is is difficult to tell what happens to the homes Trump does not own. It looks like David Milne's Hermit Point is buried under an apartment block. Mill of Menie is part under the first and is where the second golf course is planned. And Leyton Cottage seems hidden by trees - perhaps a return to the Racho Palos Verdes tactic.
The main issue is of course whether the Masterplan includes the disputed properties. And if so, whether the families who have made it clear they do not wish to sell will again be threatened with Compulsory Purchase.
When that is settled, then I'll comment on the Masterplanning process in more detail. But I'll be looking out for progress in the issues I highlighted to Gareth Hoskins back in September.
At the published scale is is difficult to tell what happens to the homes Trump does not own. It looks like David Milne's Hermit Point is buried under an apartment block. Mill of Menie is part under the first and is where the second golf course is planned. And Leyton Cottage seems hidden by trees - perhaps a return to the Racho Palos Verdes tactic.
The main issue is of course whether the Masterplan includes the disputed properties. And if so, whether the families who have made it clear they do not wish to sell will again be threatened with Compulsory Purchase.
When that is settled, then I'll comment on the Masterplanning process in more detail. But I'll be looking out for progress in the issues I highlighted to Gareth Hoskins back in September.
Robin Hood - Can good come from the banking crisis?
A small tax on banking transactions could yield enormous sums. It's also known as a Tobin Tax. Watch the video and perhaps sign the petition.
Petition text is
Dear Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg
It’s time for banks to pay their fair share.
We call on you to support a “Robin Hood Tax” on banks. It’s a small tax on high value transactions between banks that would raise hundreds of billions of pounds that would be used to fund action against climate change, poverty and other big issues in Britain and around the world.
Together we can turn the banking crisis into an opportunity for Britain and the world. Please support the Robin Hood Tax.
Budgets - when the going gets tough you can see where priorities lie.
As central funding gets tighter, the sustainability of Council tax freeze gets further called into question and the prospect of a George Osborne austerity budget looms, the stresses of Council budgets are starting to show.
Aberdeenshire has survived fairly well up to now. Despite the low central government grants, good management and tight control has limited the pain. And Aberdeenshire prided itself on maintaining standards in Education. But now the prospect forwards looks grim.
For 2010/11, there was a funding gap of £10m and agreement between the LibDem/Tory administration and officers on how to find £6m. That left us this morning trying to fill a £4.49m hole.
The LibDem/Tory administration proposed "realignment of budgets", heavily impacting Education as follows:
Life Long Learning & Leisure
The offical opposition, the SNP responded with a rather vague budget.
As the details are nearly all expressed as round hundreds of thousands of pounds, I suspect the rigor of the analysis. £500,000 from reprofiling the capital plan equates to £5m cut in capital spending and I'd dearly like to know where this was to come from. The whole budget seems to me as just "we need to find the money so we'll just spread the pain around."
The Democratic Independent Group last year proposed a budget without "growth" items and instead with one-off spends designed to save money later.
This year, with the situation worse, we wanted to provide a breathing space by
That then allowed us to put £653,000 into Spend to Save initiatives and add an extra £331,000 to balances in case the risks are even more adverse than expectations.
My ward colleague Rob Merson didn't understand our switch of revenue funding to capital. Rob, Fergus could, I hope, explain that cutting £500,000 from revenue by reprofiling the capital plan does means that somehow about £5m of capital spending needs to be delayed. What we proposed was roughly the reverse. More alarmingly Jill Webster, Vice Chair of Infrastructure despite her long service as councillor also didn't understand this common mechanism.
So, LibDems and Tories are prepared to sacrifice education. The SNP don't know what their priorities are. And the Democratic Indpendent Group aim to plan for long term savings and protect our most valuable services especially education.
But LibDem/Tory cuts in education it is. What a future.
Aberdeenshire has survived fairly well up to now. Despite the low central government grants, good management and tight control has limited the pain. And Aberdeenshire prided itself on maintaining standards in Education. But now the prospect forwards looks grim.
For 2010/11, there was a funding gap of £10m and agreement between the LibDem/Tory administration and officers on how to find £6m. That left us this morning trying to fill a £4.49m hole.
The LibDem/Tory administration proposed "realignment of budgets", heavily impacting Education as follows:
Life Long Learning & Leisure
- £250,000 Cuts in support for Learners Auxillaries
- £646,000 No increase in nursery school hours
- £1,031,000 No provision of free school meals for Primary One to Three pupils.
- £840,000 Saving from turnover and recruiting at lower salary levels.
- £200,000 Undefined efficiency saving from Community Learning & Development and Libraries
- £244,000 Cut in per capita allowances to devolved school budgets
- £45,000 cut in health education
- £85,000 5% cut in budgets for Sure Start and Community Network budgets
- £200,000 Pre-school Education and Nursery (to be achieved by using Council school premises where possible)
- £52,000 Cut in travel and subsistence budget.
- £225,000 Community wellbeing -cuts in posts
- £325,000 Reduction of funding to external partners
- £132000 Cuts on day care provision
- £14,000 Reduction in North East Chief Executive Forum funding
- £60,000 Efficiencies in officer accommodation use and from WorkSmart
- £100,000 Efficiencies from transferrring more services to Contact Centre.
The offical opposition, the SNP responded with a rather vague budget.
- £2,429,000 Resource efficiency (£1,1020 target recurring underspends, £500,000 review end year flexibility, £500,000 redcue business mileage, £250,000 Shared Service opportunities, £150,000 Review methods of publicity)
- £879,000 Workforce management (£500,000 vacancy management, £225,000 review staff absences, £150,000 review staff shift allowances)
- £745,000 Capital funding adjustments (£500,000 reprofiling capital plan, £200,000 review treasury management, £45,000 sale of surplus assets)
- £400,000 Procurment cuts (£200,000 reduce expenditure on consultants, £100,000 review software licences, £100,000 savings from corporate contracts)
As the details are nearly all expressed as round hundreds of thousands of pounds, I suspect the rigor of the analysis. £500,000 from reprofiling the capital plan equates to £5m cut in capital spending and I'd dearly like to know where this was to come from. The whole budget seems to me as just "we need to find the money so we'll just spread the pain around."
The Democratic Independent Group last year proposed a budget without "growth" items and instead with one-off spends designed to save money later.
This year, with the situation worse, we wanted to provide a breathing space by
- transferring £3,500,000 of revenue spend in schools and roads to capital,
- scrapping the unsuccessful unadopted roads scheme for £300,000,
- anticipating a low rise in salary levels for most staff (£865,000) and mandating a freeze for senior officers (£90,000) and, in order to share the pain, cutting special resonsibility allowances to Vice Chairs (£25,000).
- We also believe that a cut in administration f £250,000 is achieveable
- We also believe that we need to stop the drain on our Visitors Attractions and therefore proposed cutting £150,000. This was done with some sadness - Archeolink is a great idea but its future needs to be independent of the Council.
- We also cut £253,000 from the growth initiatives.
That then allowed us to put £653,000 into Spend to Save initiatives and add an extra £331,000 to balances in case the risks are even more adverse than expectations.
My ward colleague Rob Merson didn't understand our switch of revenue funding to capital. Rob, Fergus could, I hope, explain that cutting £500,000 from revenue by reprofiling the capital plan does means that somehow about £5m of capital spending needs to be delayed. What we proposed was roughly the reverse. More alarmingly Jill Webster, Vice Chair of Infrastructure despite her long service as councillor also didn't understand this common mechanism.
So, LibDems and Tories are prepared to sacrifice education. The SNP don't know what their priorities are. And the Democratic Indpendent Group aim to plan for long term savings and protect our most valuable services especially education.
But LibDem/Tory cuts in education it is. What a future.
Police website consultation
The police are interested in hearing your views on the force website and have asked for the following to be distributed as widely as possible.
Their text from here on ....
Their text from here on ....
Grampian Police wishes to develop a new Force website that meets the needs of the people of north-east Scotland. You can help by answering a few questions about how you currently or might use the Force website.Please look at the Grampian Police website www.grampian.police.uk and then complete the survey to let us know what you like or what you would like to change.We would like to hear the views of as wide a cross section of our communities as possible so if you have any further contacts who may wish to contribute please forward this email on.The survey can be completed by clicking the link below
Scotblogs Awards 2010 : Top 10 politicians
I am very grateful to have been placed 7th in the ScotBlogs Awards 2010 for Politicians. My colleague Paul Johnston came in 9th (very unfair as he works harder than I do). Congratulations to Paul for 5th for Hyperlocal. And now I get 4th on th Env/Green blogs.
I am delighted that the Democratic Independent Group on Aberdeenshire Council has gained this recognition for our own brand of open and honest engagement on the issues.
Thank you!
Ocean Lab 2
Congratulations to Aberdeen University on the offical opening of Ocean Lab 2 at Newburgh.
I attended the opening this morning and benefited from a guided tour. Thanks to Daniel for an explanation of some of the strands of work underway and Alan for a tour of the technologies. (And apologies to both for forgetting their surnames - please take this as an expression of friendliness)
Some of the facilities are used by the north sea industry for testing. A vessel capable on simulating the pressures 7km deep in the ocean, mean of testing the types of sudden drop in termperatures from the tropics to the deep sea and a serious vibration plate are available for commercial use - and the business sdie of the oepration subsidises the research that covers a wide range of issues.
And the new building is lovely - graound source heating and what must be the best view from a workplace coffee room anywhere.
I attended the opening this morning and benefited from a guided tour. Thanks to Daniel for an explanation of some of the strands of work underway and Alan for a tour of the technologies. (And apologies to both for forgetting their surnames - please take this as an expression of friendliness)
Some of the facilities are used by the north sea industry for testing. A vessel capable on simulating the pressures 7km deep in the ocean, mean of testing the types of sudden drop in termperatures from the tropics to the deep sea and a serious vibration plate are available for commercial use - and the business sdie of the oepration subsidises the research that covers a wide range of issues.
And the new building is lovely - graound source heating and what must be the best view from a workplace coffee room anywhere.
Auditor asked to look into Menie land deal
I opposed the sale of this land to Trump and the rejection of other bidders. I argued that the only way anyone can know that the best price is realised is via an open competition. However seven other councillors were determined to sell to Trump and I fear that this will be at a much lower price than if an open process had been used.
Writing to the Council's external auditor, I have asked for the matter to be investigated urgently and cite section 74(2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as requiring councils to only accept offer that are "the best that can ... reasonably be obtained"
Update: Audit Scotland will be investigating further and reporting on the matter as part of the 2009/10 audit.
Picture: Cllrs Martin Ford and Debra Storr at disputed land
ScotBlog nomination
I am flattered to have been nominated for a ScotBlogs 2010 Award especially as this blog has only been running since March 2009.
There is a wide range of blogs nominated so please do browse the nomination list - you never know who else you'll find. It was fun!
Voting in the Scotblog Awards is open until Wednesday 27th January at 8pm.
There is a wide range of blogs nominated so please do browse the nomination list - you never know who else you'll find. It was fun!
Voting in the Scotblog Awards is open until Wednesday 27th January at 8pm.
Research into Masterplanning
Camilla Klemme is a final undergraduate at Edinburgh University studying Geography. She is doing a thesis on: How Sustainable is Sustainable Development in the case of Ellon?
She will be asking the councillors and the community council for their views but I offered to see if anyone else wanted to comment via this blog and she is delighted at the idea. If you'd like to comment, please copy the questions below into an email and email your responses back to Camilla at cklemme@gmail.com (not to me!). You only need answer questions you are comfortable with - just leave any question you don't want to answer blank.
To Camilla, cklemme@gmail.com
Age
Sex
Ethnicity
and How long you have lived in Ellon?
Sustainable Development –
She will be asking the councillors and the community council for their views but I offered to see if anyone else wanted to comment via this blog and she is delighted at the idea. If you'd like to comment, please copy the questions below into an email and email your responses back to Camilla at cklemme@gmail.com (not to me!). You only need answer questions you are comfortable with - just leave any question you don't want to answer blank.
To Camilla, cklemme@gmail.com
Age
Sex
Ethnicity
and How long you have lived in Ellon?
Sustainable Development –
KEY QUESTION: What is your understanding of sustainable development/sustainable community development?
2 Are you a strong supporter of Sustainable Development?
3 Do you think the sustainable urbanism project of Ellon is sustainable?
Achieving Sustainable Community Development/Community involvement –
Housing –
Do you feel there is a need for more mixed/affordable housing in Ellon?
Aims of the Princes Foundation for the Built Environment (PFBE) – Ellon:
Do you feel it has made a positive change in the design and planning?
That the architecture is sensitive to traditions and history of Ellon?
That it will increase the quality of life of the residents?
That a sense of place is created?
KEY QUESTION: The PFBE has been accused of being a private lobbying firm/ not being a responsible charity…what are you views on this?
Aims of Scotia/SCD –
3 areas –
Cromleybank, south of the River Ythan – to include a new high street and several other key amenities that are needed for village life.
The Town Centre – small re-workings of the existing town centre to create better connections, more parking facilities and improved services.
Castleton and the Castle Gardens – the focus of this development aims to create a continuous link between the north of Ellon and the town centre, seamlessly blending into the existing character and fabric of the town. Revenue from this development will allow the beautiful hidden Castle Gardens, right in the heart of Ellon, to be re-opened to the public, creating a magnificent attraction right in the centre of town.
Castleton – Aims:
1 Walkable communities
2 Connected spaces (rid cul-de-sac)
3 Public places
3 Mixing it up (housing)
4 Visual variety (housing)
5 Local first (traditional development)
3 Sustianbale Community Development (what does it involve) –
Do you believe this will –
1 Meets the needs of all existing and future resources for Ellon?
2 Contributes to a higher quality of life?
3 Offers appropriate ladders of opportunity for households advancement, either locally or through external connection?)
4 Limits adverse external effects on the environment, society and economy?
Against Sustainable Development:
KEY QUESTION: Wildlife is being destroyed…. Is it then fair to say that this is sustainable development? What are your views?
2 Do you feel you will use your car less/walk or bicycle more?
3 Do you fell that new housing development will just increase the population and car use/increase Ellon’s use as being a commuter village?
Community Engagement?
KEY QUESTION: Has the sustainable community development of Ellon involved an integrated approach of community participation, partnership and engagement with urban professionals?
2 Do you believe that the Enquiry by Design process (of Scotia homes and PFBE) has sufficiently and successfully involved and integrated the views and ideas of the community of Ellon?
3 Do you feel you that you have had adequate power in the planning and development process of Ellon? That conflicts of interest have been identified discussed and changed?
4 Do you think the open workshops/public forums/engagement process has been a success?
5 Do you feel that the developers have put the community first in the decision making process?
KEY QUESTION: Do you believe that the new community of Ellon will be welcomed by the old community?
Press/Alliance for lobbying transparency –
KEY QUESTION: They have slated sustainable community development as a form of ‘greenwashing/green bling’…that it is just a dusted down scheme to enable more property development… do you have anything to say about this?
Planning Alerts is back!
Delightfully, given my motion to Council yesterday, I can now advise that Planning Alerts is back up and running!
Today I got the first results
You now (sadly) only have 21 days to response to applications so this is the best way to keep on top of what is going on and making your voice heard.
Today I got the first results
CULTERTY HOUSE MAIN STREET NEWBURGH AB41 6DA AB41 6DA (APP/2009/4114)If you are interested in planning applications submitted near you, please go and set up an alert. You just need to give email address and a postcode and decide on an area of search.
Demolition of Culterty House and Outbuildings and Erection of Residential Development of 10 Houses and 9 Flats with relative amenities and parking
MORE INFORMATION: http://tinyurl.com/y99kos3
MAP: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=ab41+6da&z=15
WHAT DO YOU THINK?: http://tinyurl.com/yeecvou
You now (sadly) only have 21 days to response to applications so this is the best way to keep on top of what is going on and making your voice heard.
Open Data, Open Systems
Aberdeenshire Council took forward for detailed consideration a move to make its data more accessible to people that I proposed. It was a pity support wasn't warmer on the day that saw the launch of www.data.gov.uk
My motion called on the Council to make data available in common data formats so that individuals and intersested parties can reuse this information and combine information togather in any way they chose.
The BBC recently used data on serious road accidents to publish interactive maps of accident blackspots and other public bodies are embracing the "Open Data, Open Systems" concept.
I start from the principle that the data a council holds belongs to all of us and therefore should be shared. There are lots of examples across the world of public bodies making their data available and in the UK, these moves are supported by the Cabinet Office and councils are starting to catch on. Kent dubs their initiative "Pic and Mix" and I like the idea of making data available for people to use.
This can also save Councils money. Making it easy for people to access data can save councils from building systems themselves. PlanningAlerts is used by thousands of people to be notified of nearby planning applications - without the expense of Councils building their own system. This gaves much better service to the public than trawling through weekly lists. WriteToThem.com is another initiative that enable citizens to find and contact their elected representatives. Let's make it easy for these systems to grow to meet public demand rather than building everything ourself and paying to do so.
My motion called on the Council to make data available in common data formats so that individuals and intersested parties can reuse this information and combine information togather in any way they chose.
The BBC recently used data on serious road accidents to publish interactive maps of accident blackspots and other public bodies are embracing the "Open Data, Open Systems" concept.
I start from the principle that the data a council holds belongs to all of us and therefore should be shared. There are lots of examples across the world of public bodies making their data available and in the UK, these moves are supported by the Cabinet Office and councils are starting to catch on. Kent dubs their initiative "Pic and Mix" and I like the idea of making data available for people to use.
This can also save Councils money. Making it easy for people to access data can save councils from building systems themselves. PlanningAlerts is used by thousands of people to be notified of nearby planning applications - without the expense of Councils building their own system. This gaves much better service to the public than trawling through weekly lists. WriteToThem.com is another initiative that enable citizens to find and contact their elected representatives. Let's make it easy for these systems to grow to meet public demand rather than building everything ourself and paying to do so.
Word of the day : Monopsody
Council land to be sold to Trump
In economics, a monopsony (from Ancient Greek μόνος (monos) "single" + ὀψωνία (opsōnia) "purchase") is a market form in which only one buyer faces many sellers. It is an example of imperfect competition, similar to a monopoly, in which only one seller faces many buyers. As the only purchaser of a good or service, the "monopsonist" may dictate terms to its suppliers in the same manner that a monopolist controls the market for its buyers.Today Aberdeenshire Councild decided to make Donald Trump a monopsony*.
On a vote of 7 to 3, Formartine Area Committee decided today to reject 7 other interested parties and negotiate to sell a small piece of land to Trump.
If you reject all possible purchasers but one, you have no way of knowing that the price you get is the highest possible. And Aberdeenshire Council does not have a reputation as a tough negotiator with Trump.
I argued for an open process and let the highest bid win. Logically that highest bid should have been Trump. The land, if it is key to the development, is worth more to Trump than anyone else. But my colleagues with the honorable exceptions of Cllr Paul Johnston and Cllr Davidson, are simply happy to sell to Trump. Frankly the numbers mooted in the surveyors report don't sound large to me.
Why we must trip up Trump from Adam Proctor on Vimeo.
I also worry that the value put on this land will somehow impact the value put on my constituent's houses if - and I sincerely hope sense prevails well before we get that far - if CPOs are even used.
* I've wanted to use the word monopsody for years and never before came even close to having a chance!
Leaks
It seems that the report into the sales of land at Menie was leaked to various newspapers. And weirdly the council decided to publish much of the material that I argued could have been debated in public itself after the meeting.
And two journalists who would regard me as a friendly source complained to me that they hadn't got a copy of the report.
For the record, when I was consulted on the report some weeks ago, I asked that the report be split into two - one part that could be debated in public about process and one that would need to be private taking about value and bidders. Today, I moved deferral so we could have these two reports this morning. I tried ....
No doubt there will be an investigation into the leaks. Last time the focus of an investigation as to who had leaked a memo about Menie that was sent to all 68 councillors focused oddly on Cllrs Merson, Davidson, Owen and myself. Will the investigation this time reveal anything useful?
I donlt think there was anything in the debate today that couldn't have been done in public. It would have been so much simpler if the my colleagues had simply decided to debate matters of legitimate public interest in public.
Disagree with me if you will, colleagues. But have the grace to do it in public - and then you can be properly accountable to the public.
And two journalists who would regard me as a friendly source complained to me that they hadn't got a copy of the report.
For the record, when I was consulted on the report some weeks ago, I asked that the report be split into two - one part that could be debated in public about process and one that would need to be private taking about value and bidders. Today, I moved deferral so we could have these two reports this morning. I tried ....
No doubt there will be an investigation into the leaks. Last time the focus of an investigation as to who had leaked a memo about Menie that was sent to all 68 councillors focused oddly on Cllrs Merson, Davidson, Owen and myself. Will the investigation this time reveal anything useful?
I donlt think there was anything in the debate today that couldn't have been done in public. It would have been so much simpler if the my colleagues had simply decided to debate matters of legitimate public interest in public.
Disagree with me if you will, colleagues. But have the grace to do it in public - and then you can be properly accountable to the public.
Standards for windows.
Formartine Area Committee actually brought themselves to agree with Cllr Paul Johnston and I today!
We argued that it was disgraceful that the standards for replacement windows in Sheltered Housing just barely met building regulations while the council put better windows that woudl reduce heating costs into other properties. I want the highest standards in both! But is is very important to put low u-value windows into properties occupied by some of the most vulnerable people in society. This reduce their fuel bills in future helping achieve reduction in fuel poverty aims as well as reducing CO2 emissions.
After some resistance, the committee finally agreed to raise the matter with Social Work and Housing. Thanks to Cllrs Duncan and Davidson for chipping in.
I put down my marker now - if standards are not improved, I will be voting to reject contracts in future.
We argued that it was disgraceful that the standards for replacement windows in Sheltered Housing just barely met building regulations while the council put better windows that woudl reduce heating costs into other properties. I want the highest standards in both! But is is very important to put low u-value windows into properties occupied by some of the most vulnerable people in society. This reduce their fuel bills in future helping achieve reduction in fuel poverty aims as well as reducing CO2 emissions.
After some resistance, the committee finally agreed to raise the matter with Social Work and Housing. Thanks to Cllrs Duncan and Davidson for chipping in.
I put down my marker now - if standards are not improved, I will be voting to reject contracts in future.
Main Issues: Enabling Development, Protection of Nature Conservation Sites, Landscape Character, Historic Environment, Safeguarding Resources - Water, Agricultural Land, Woodland, Transport Facilities, Employment Land, Oil and Gas Sites, Mineral, Wind Farms.
A final run at this .... again, if you can get comments to me by 20th,that would be helpful. The Formartine Area Committee will be discussing on 27th January.
Enabling Development: permited for retaining a Listed Building or (newpolicy) start-up of employment, leisure, tourism in Regeneration Priority Area
Protection of Nature Conservation Sites: These water down protection in the current plan. The plan will include a list of designated sites at International, National and Local levels, lists of protected species under EU and British Law and Local Priority Habitats and Species, and Geological Conservation review sites. Others are better placed than I to review these.
Landscape Character: Recognises the value of our landscapes and introduces Valued Views (list provided).
Historic Environment: There is Supplementary Guidance for Listed Buildings, Conservation AReas, Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes, and Archeological sites and Ancient Monuments. The polices are good and I welcome a requirement for development in Conservation Areas to be for Full Planning Permission.
Safeguarding Resources - Water, Agricultural Land, Woodland, Transport Facilities, Employment Land, Oil and Gas Sites, Mineral, Wind Farms. This policy covers a lot of ground! The policy of water trys to ensure than water quality, flooding, ecology and flood plans are properly considered. There is a presumption to retaining the best quality agricultural land. Trees and Woodlands not covered by TPOs gain some protection as are routes that may be useful for future transport (including paths) and other transport infrastructure. A new presumption to retaining employment land in employment use. St Fergus is recognised as special for oil and gas development and other developments will be resisted. Land for mineral development is safeguarded in Areas of Search (see maps) and there are also areas of search for large windfarms and landfill sites
The extension into enabling development to support almost any for of economic activity is interesting. There is Supplementary Guidance to limit this to where the public benefit outweighs the disbenefits of breaching public policy, and limits the scale to 5 houses or fewer. We have had problems with developers selling of parts of the development and then finding they don't after all have sufficient funds to restore a listed building and therefore coming back for more. The "prferably to be developed in full by the developer" is therefore welcome. I do worry that the test is too easy - of course Trump was allowed 500 houses of enabling development at Menie - a long way from the regeneration areas and that proposal would have been a different matter in an area of high unemployment.
I have to be a bit of a cynic on the Nature Conservation Sites policies: they have been badly breached and now they say that that's fine. It's not.
On Resources, there is a lot of ground here. I welcome the presumption that trees and woodland should be preserved even when not coverd by TPOs - with changes to and reviews of TPOs, this is sorely needed. And the retention of employment land as such is very important - losing employment land to residential development has been an issue and we need to ensure we have residential and employment uses in our villages.
It'll be interesting to see the map for Area of Search for Minerals -and Landfills.
Enabling Development: permited for retaining a Listed Building or (newpolicy) start-up of employment, leisure, tourism in Regeneration Priority Area
Protection of Nature Conservation Sites: These water down protection in the current plan. The plan will include a list of designated sites at International, National and Local levels, lists of protected species under EU and British Law and Local Priority Habitats and Species, and Geological Conservation review sites. Others are better placed than I to review these.
Landscape Character: Recognises the value of our landscapes and introduces Valued Views (list provided).
Historic Environment: There is Supplementary Guidance for Listed Buildings, Conservation AReas, Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes, and Archeological sites and Ancient Monuments. The polices are good and I welcome a requirement for development in Conservation Areas to be for Full Planning Permission.
Safeguarding Resources - Water, Agricultural Land, Woodland, Transport Facilities, Employment Land, Oil and Gas Sites, Mineral, Wind Farms. This policy covers a lot of ground! The policy of water trys to ensure than water quality, flooding, ecology and flood plans are properly considered. There is a presumption to retaining the best quality agricultural land. Trees and Woodlands not covered by TPOs gain some protection as are routes that may be useful for future transport (including paths) and other transport infrastructure. A new presumption to retaining employment land in employment use. St Fergus is recognised as special for oil and gas development and other developments will be resisted. Land for mineral development is safeguarded in Areas of Search (see maps) and there are also areas of search for large windfarms and landfill sites
The extension into enabling development to support almost any for of economic activity is interesting. There is Supplementary Guidance to limit this to where the public benefit outweighs the disbenefits of breaching public policy, and limits the scale to 5 houses or fewer. We have had problems with developers selling of parts of the development and then finding they don't after all have sufficient funds to restore a listed building and therefore coming back for more. The "prferably to be developed in full by the developer" is therefore welcome. I do worry that the test is too easy - of course Trump was allowed 500 houses of enabling development at Menie - a long way from the regeneration areas and that proposal would have been a different matter in an area of high unemployment.
I have to be a bit of a cynic on the Nature Conservation Sites policies: they have been badly breached and now they say that that's fine. It's not.
On Resources, there is a lot of ground here. I welcome the presumption that trees and woodland should be preserved even when not coverd by TPOs - with changes to and reviews of TPOs, this is sorely needed. And the retention of employment land as such is very important - losing employment land to residential development has been an issue and we need to ensure we have residential and employment uses in our villages.
It'll be interesting to see the map for Area of Search for Minerals -and Landfills.
MPs expenses
OK - we all had good fun about this. But now we have the final proposals for change. Do look and respond - you can do it online and it's well presented to make it easy.
I'm pretty comfortable with most of it except
MPs should not be allowed to "exploit" the system for personal gain. Much damage was done by the "but it was within the rules" whinging of MPs. It needs to be clear that claims should be within the spirit of the rules.
And all details must be published by the authorities as they are submitted (or as reasonably practical thereafter). This is the best assurance that we can have that claims in future will be reasonable.
I think that the transitional arrangements are too long - up to 5 years. MPs jobs should be insecure and if they make long term arrangements, they should take the risk. Over to you ....
I'm pretty comfortable with most of it except
MPs should not be allowed to "exploit" the system for personal gain. Much damage was done by the "but it was within the rules" whinging of MPs. It needs to be clear that claims should be within the spirit of the rules.
And all details must be published by the authorities as they are submitted (or as reasonably practical thereafter). This is the best assurance that we can have that claims in future will be reasonable.
I think that the transitional arrangements are too long - up to 5 years. MPs jobs should be insecure and if they make long term arrangements, they should take the risk. Over to you ....
Main Issues: Flooding and Erosion, Hazardous Development, Contaminated Land, Carbon Neutrality in New Developments, Developer Contributions
Hopefully last but one lap - comments by 20/1/10 appreciated.
Flooding and Erosion : Stronger policy for both coastal and watercourse threats. 1:200 years limit for residential, commercial and key infrastructure. 5m and 10m countours considered for Flood. Impact of hardened surfaces on flooding elsewhere considered.
Hazardous Development: talks about pollution, flooding, nuisance and hazard - restricting such new sources and development sround existing sources.
Contaminated Land: Talks about assessement and remediation.
Carbon Neutrality in New Developments: 30% below 2007 standards increasing to 60% by 2012, 90% by 2014 and 100% by 2016. Lots of additional information re definitions and methods to achieve.. Off site permissible for Conservation Areas etc.
Developer Contributions: Appendix will include details of specific contributions required against major sites. Individual sets talking about Access, Water and Drainage (cf SUDS), Waste Management.
Often pretty technical stuff but useful to be specific about Access (maintenance of such can be an issue), water but I can;t see anything that will help us ensure maintenance of SUDS schemes. It'll be interesting to see how Carbon Neutrality pans out!
Flooding and Erosion : Stronger policy for both coastal and watercourse threats. 1:200 years limit for residential, commercial and key infrastructure. 5m and 10m countours considered for Flood. Impact of hardened surfaces on flooding elsewhere considered.
Hazardous Development: talks about pollution, flooding, nuisance and hazard - restricting such new sources and development sround existing sources.
Contaminated Land: Talks about assessement and remediation.
Carbon Neutrality in New Developments: 30% below 2007 standards increasing to 60% by 2012, 90% by 2014 and 100% by 2016. Lots of additional information re definitions and methods to achieve.. Off site permissible for Conservation Areas etc.
Developer Contributions: Appendix will include details of specific contributions required against major sites. Individual sets talking about Access, Water and Drainage (cf SUDS), Waste Management.
Often pretty technical stuff but useful to be specific about Access (maintenance of such can be an issue), water but I can;t see anything that will help us ensure maintenance of SUDS schemes. It'll be interesting to see how Carbon Neutrality pans out!
Aberdeenshire Council now honest - no action on climate change
Aberdeenshire Council today decided not to sign up to 10:10. My colleague Cllr Paul Johnston could not even get a seconder for other LibDems, the Tories or the SNP. I understand that members of Policy and Resources felt that the Council couldn't make the minimum commitment of a 3% reduction in 2010 - and a reduction of 10% from their own baseline.
This is disappointing.
Aberdeenshire Council made good progress in reducing CO2 emissions in the early years of its commitments but reduction have since slowed. A report to Scrutiny and Audit in December showed
Now one of the reasons I left the Liberal Democrats and joined the Greens was the gross disparity being saying and doing. It looks like I was right. LibDem* controlled Aberdeenshire likes to sign Climate Change Charters but when it comes to making commitments to deliver - nothing.
*Cllr Paul Johnston is a LibDem but not part of the ruling Administration. He is therefore excempt from criticism.
This is disappointing.
Aberdeenshire Council made good progress in reducing CO2 emissions in the early years of its commitments but reduction have since slowed. A report to Scrutiny and Audit in December showed
- the reduction in emissions over 3 years for Building and Property has been 3%, of which 2.9% was in the first year.
- the reduction of emission from waste to landfill has decreased by 15.4% but only 1.4% reduction has been achieved in the past year.
- emissions from street lightling were static or slowing increasing initally but have grown by 5.2% over the past year
- emissions from business mileage has increased every year and are now 5% higher than the base year.
Now one of the reasons I left the Liberal Democrats and joined the Greens was the gross disparity being saying and doing. It looks like I was right. LibDem* controlled Aberdeenshire likes to sign Climate Change Charters but when it comes to making commitments to deliver - nothing.
*Cllr Paul Johnston is a LibDem but not part of the ruling Administration. He is therefore excempt from criticism.
Haiti Earthquake appeal
This poor country has now been devastated by and earthquake. The Red Cross has launched an appeal - More details.
Union Terrace Gardens
I have carefully looked at all the material on The City Square website and also the Peacock Arts Proposals. A useful comparison can be found at CompareTheSquare. You may also be interested to read the Supplementary Planning Guidance Aberdeen City Council has already agreed for Bon Accord Quarter and put this in the overall context of the City Centre. The Masterplan proposals had over 70% approval ratings.
My initial reaction to the Ian Wood suggestion for UTG was fairly open minded with some concern that this was another grand project. However I recognise that Union Terrace Gardens are under-used but the Peacosk Arts proposals seemed set to take care of that.
The actual details of the Ian Wood proposals are rather thin. £50m from Sir Ian (presumably his investment not a gift). But what other funds would be needed and from where. The City Square website says it would not be taken from public services. I assume that means no on-going revenue commitment but it leaves open the question of capital. And just what does it consist of? Parking, shops, public art, public open space. My other job is in the IT industry and we have a term for stuff that sounds like a good idea but doesn't exist - vapourware.
And how much does Aberdeen need more car parking and shopping with Union Square just opened and the general proposals in Bon Accord? I also worry that the Union Square to Bon Accord axis is killing the shops on Union Street and George St.
So we have a choice - the Peacock Arts proposals in the hand - or Ian Wood's proposals in the bush.
I think that the way forward is Peacock Arts - This Time, This Place, This Generation - delivered.
Please do complete the CitySquare consultation questionnaire and if you want to save Union Terrace Gardens and the new Arts Centre, also complete the online petition. I was the 4276th signatory.
Main Issues: Masterplanning; Layout, Siting & Design; Public Open Space; Public Access; Community Facilities
This is all about building in quality design to new developments - all the way from how a development relates to its surroundings to the deatil of individual buildings. This is a hugely complex subject ....
Masterplanning of large developments : New requirement for development frameworks, masterplans and/or development briefs for large and medium sized developments. Community engagement highlighted. Differing requirements according to scale. Very large < 600, Large 50 to 600 houses, Medium 5 -49 houses.
Layout, Siting and Design of New Development: Reference to masterplans and designs briefs and also assessments against Urban Design Toolkit (PAN 67), Manual for Streets, and Index 21. Design Panel to advise on important design cases.
House Extensions: protection of amenity of area.
Infill development: OK subject to protection of character and amenity of area and important open space/woodland.
Public Open Space: Reference to Open Space Strategy and specific requirements for hierarchy of developments: 40% Major, 120m sq per dwelling, or 40 m sq for land previously allocated. Protection of open space from development with exceptions.
Public Access: Connection to existing non motorised access routes highlighted. If Core path or existing path, maintenance of it or replacement. Mention of access to water.
Community Facilities: Principles governing adequate provision and requirements for developer contributions towards such.
I like the emphasis on masterplanning and design. I strongly believe this leads to better development but it all depends on the "teeth" given - will we refuse purely on such grounds and will it stand up on appeal?
Not sure why developments in the Local plan have lower requirement for Public Space than others in Local Plan. Rules change all the time ....
Good to see Public Access higher up the priorities. Would like more emphasis on encouragement for walking/cycling rather than car use as part of the Design principles.
Comments by 20th Jnuary, please ...
Masterplanning of large developments : New requirement for development frameworks, masterplans and/or development briefs for large and medium sized developments. Community engagement highlighted. Differing requirements according to scale. Very large < 600, Large 50 to 600 houses, Medium 5 -49 houses.
Layout, Siting and Design of New Development: Reference to masterplans and designs briefs and also assessments against Urban Design Toolkit (PAN 67), Manual for Streets, and Index 21. Design Panel to advise on important design cases.
House Extensions: protection of amenity of area.
Infill development: OK subject to protection of character and amenity of area and important open space/woodland.
Public Open Space: Reference to Open Space Strategy and specific requirements for hierarchy of developments: 40% Major, 120m sq per dwelling, or 40 m sq for land previously allocated. Protection of open space from development with exceptions.
Public Access: Connection to existing non motorised access routes highlighted. If Core path or existing path, maintenance of it or replacement. Mention of access to water.
Community Facilities: Principles governing adequate provision and requirements for developer contributions towards such.
I like the emphasis on masterplanning and design. I strongly believe this leads to better development but it all depends on the "teeth" given - will we refuse purely on such grounds and will it stand up on appeal?
Not sure why developments in the Local plan have lower requirement for Public Space than others in Local Plan. Rules change all the time ....
Good to see Public Access higher up the priorities. Would like more emphasis on encouragement for walking/cycling rather than car use as part of the Design principles.
Comments by 20th Jnuary, please ...
More awards for Donald Trump
"toupeed tycoon Donald Trump and his lackey George Sorial" for asking Aberdeenshire Council to use CPOs to remove local residents "to make way for a vulgar housing development and golf course which will forever ruin a pristine stretch of sand-duned coast".Particular congratulations to George for featuring - part of the title of this blog is his gift to me. Don't worry, Neil, Sarah, Ann, etc - I recognise your contribution.
Donald Trump will have been disappointed by his 98th place in the BBC's "Most Annoying People of 2009" awards also given in recognition of his demands for CPOs.
Also belated congratulations for Donald's place in the New Stateman's Top 20 Green Villians list. The citation runs: -
"Money bags The billionaire Donald Trump attracted the ire of conservationists when he set his sights on remote Aberdeenshire in Scotland. In 2006 he announced plans to build a 2,000-acre, $1bn golf course and luxury resort, billed as the "greatest" in the world, on a coastline featuring sand dunes protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. He claimed that "environmentalists supported us" and "the locals were ecstatic", but faced opposition from the RSPB and the local council, which initially rebuffed his advances. After much legal wrangling (and a personal intervention by the First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond), Trump gained planning permission in October."The decision to allow the development was awarded a Pock Mark for Worst Planning Decision in Scottish Architecture's 2008 Carbuncle Awards.
Is there a trend here?
Will Donald ever get back to the dizzy heights of when in 2007, the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., was the first recipient of the Metropolitan Golf Association Environmental Award (best on six criteria from around 280 MGA members)?
Snow
We have had a long period of very bad weather and it is set to continue for another week at least. Aberdeenshire Council has quite rightly concentrated resources on keeping the main routes clear and gritted. After all, there is little point in being able to get out of your street/side road if the main routes are blocked. So can we please say a big thank you to the staff who have been working long hours to keep routes open - and re-open blocked roads.
And can I also thank drivers for being sensible and the police for ordering road closures when necessary. In contrast to stories from England of motorists getting stuck and abandoning cars, drivers have been pretty sensible and this helps keep the roads clear (imagine driving an HGV plough/gritter through a chicane of abandoned cars).
Council workers have also been trying to keep pavements clear - and as with roads this has been a uphill battle. Most people have realised that the council workers are doing their best. But with this amount of snow, a little bit of help from frontagers would be appreciated. Please try to break up hard packed snow/ice and put sand, ashes, salt, - even cat litter - on it to give a little grip and help break up the surface further.
And finally, please do look out for each other. If you can pick up a few things for the shops for your neighbour, then that is a nice thing to do and may save an unpleasant trip out. If your neighbour is struggling with getting out in these conditions, you could be a life saver.
Useful numbers:
Elderly or vulnerable and afraid to turn your heating up during this cold spell? Call the Home Heat Helpline for advice 0800 33 66 99
For help in reducing future bills call Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012
And can I also thank drivers for being sensible and the police for ordering road closures when necessary. In contrast to stories from England of motorists getting stuck and abandoning cars, drivers have been pretty sensible and this helps keep the roads clear (imagine driving an HGV plough/gritter through a chicane of abandoned cars).
Council workers have also been trying to keep pavements clear - and as with roads this has been a uphill battle. Most people have realised that the council workers are doing their best. But with this amount of snow, a little bit of help from frontagers would be appreciated. Please try to break up hard packed snow/ice and put sand, ashes, salt, - even cat litter - on it to give a little grip and help break up the surface further.
And finally, please do look out for each other. If you can pick up a few things for the shops for your neighbour, then that is a nice thing to do and may save an unpleasant trip out. If your neighbour is struggling with getting out in these conditions, you could be a life saver.
Useful numbers:
Elderly or vulnerable and afraid to turn your heating up during this cold spell? Call the Home Heat Helpline for advice 0800 33 66 99
For help in reducing future bills call Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012
Main Issues: Housing, 2007-2016, 2017-2023 and early draw down, Affordable Housing, Other Special Housing incl Special Needs, Residential Caravans, Traveller and Gypsy Sites.
In terms of the volume of housing, most of the decisions have already been made in the
Housing Land Supply : follows Structure Plan but "to assist in long term masterplanning of development areas beyond 2023 ... may bring forward site specific supplementary planning guidance for periods beyond 2023". 20% housing due to be delivered in via Countryside policies with other 80% in allocated sites in settlements. Attempt to address an issue that has arisen of plots being developed for more houses than originally envisaged via masterplanning/design briefs and justifications. Provision to bring forward to maintain 7 year supply.
Affordable Housing : The plan maintains 25% requirements for affordable (read subsidised) housing and encourages a mix of house types and integration with non affordable housing. (Hurrah!) However there are some get out clauses which could mean less provision or provision off site or provision via Low Cost Home Ownership rather than for rent.
Special Needs : there are new policies to deal with 3 type. Residential caravans are discouraged except as temporary arranagements. Special needs housing is accepted and most types are encouraged to be within or at edge of settlements. However there is explicit provision for "continuing care retirement communities" (CCRC) outside settlement. The need for Traveller and Gypsy sites is recognised.
There are no great surprises as this has to follow the Structure Plan which is available as a pdf, in rtf or as an MP3 audio file. I was worried about the sheer scale of the allocation overall and in particular in the Blackdog - Ellon corridor but we are where we are. I can understand why there is concern about over-development of sites but in general, if the design is good, it is better to try to achieve higher densities which mean more people can live closer to shops, bus routes and other services - and we lose less valuable farmland to development.
While there is some progress for improvement in affordable housing, I still worry that some developers will try to get out of on-site provision and there is enough wriggle room in policy for this. I also note that the rule allowing the additional of 3 houses at the edge of rural settlements is just below the 25% threshold - perhaps making slightly larger extensions that gave more scope for some affordable housing provision would be better.
Continuing care retirement communities outside settlements does not fits well with other policies. Visitors, staff and others servicing such facilities will need to travel and this seems to me to go against other policies aimed at reducing the need to travel and encouraging use of public transport. I also worry about isolating groups from the wider community.
The policy on Gypsy and Traveller site indicates that there will be sites allocated specifically for this need. We will see later where these sites are. Other sites could be allocated according to need. In all cases, there are requirements for sites not to "appreciably detract from the character and appearance of the area" not "significantly detract from the amenity currently enjoyed." This will be a challenge to us all to achieve but I see no need for such sites to be a blot if we work with the users on design to fit everyone's needs.
Over to you - comments back by 20th please.
Housing Land Supply : follows Structure Plan but "to assist in long term masterplanning of development areas beyond 2023 ... may bring forward site specific supplementary planning guidance for periods beyond 2023". 20% housing due to be delivered in via Countryside policies with other 80% in allocated sites in settlements. Attempt to address an issue that has arisen of plots being developed for more houses than originally envisaged via masterplanning/design briefs and justifications. Provision to bring forward to maintain 7 year supply.
Affordable Housing : The plan maintains 25% requirements for affordable (read subsidised) housing and encourages a mix of house types and integration with non affordable housing. (Hurrah!) However there are some get out clauses which could mean less provision or provision off site or provision via Low Cost Home Ownership rather than for rent.
Special Needs : there are new policies to deal with 3 type. Residential caravans are discouraged except as temporary arranagements. Special needs housing is accepted and most types are encouraged to be within or at edge of settlements. However there is explicit provision for "continuing care retirement communities" (CCRC) outside settlement. The need for Traveller and Gypsy sites is recognised.
There are no great surprises as this has to follow the Structure Plan which is available as a pdf, in rtf or as an MP3 audio file. I was worried about the sheer scale of the allocation overall and in particular in the Blackdog - Ellon corridor but we are where we are. I can understand why there is concern about over-development of sites but in general, if the design is good, it is better to try to achieve higher densities which mean more people can live closer to shops, bus routes and other services - and we lose less valuable farmland to development.
While there is some progress for improvement in affordable housing, I still worry that some developers will try to get out of on-site provision and there is enough wriggle room in policy for this. I also note that the rule allowing the additional of 3 houses at the edge of rural settlements is just below the 25% threshold - perhaps making slightly larger extensions that gave more scope for some affordable housing provision would be better.
Continuing care retirement communities outside settlements does not fits well with other policies. Visitors, staff and others servicing such facilities will need to travel and this seems to me to go against other policies aimed at reducing the need to travel and encouraging use of public transport. I also worry about isolating groups from the wider community.
The policy on Gypsy and Traveller site indicates that there will be sites allocated specifically for this need. We will see later where these sites are. Other sites could be allocated according to need. In all cases, there are requirements for sites not to "appreciably detract from the character and appearance of the area" not "significantly detract from the amenity currently enjoyed." This will be a challenge to us all to achieve but I see no need for such sites to be a blot if we work with the users on design to fit everyone's needs.
Over to you - comments back by 20th please.
Main Issues : Development in Countryside, Energy, Minerals, Coastal development, Green belt
Again, I try to summarise the policy proposals and give my comments on these. Your feedback, especially before 20th January, would be appreciated.
Development in Countryside: divides Aberdeenshire into 3 : Accessible (around Aberdeen and the A90 and A96 corridors), Regeneration priority (Peterhead-Fraserburgh and the Moray coast) and Rural (everything else). In Accessible, small scale developments suitable for Green Belt will be allowed plus refurbishment/replacement of existing. For Rural, add economic development proposals, max 3 houses close to edge of existing settlements, or single house for retirement succession of viable farm holding. (Rural includes Regeneration).
Wind Energy: technical rules re roads/railways, flights, TV reception, ice throw shadow flicker, noise, visual intrusion. Impacts on Core Paths and Cumulative Impact. Reference to existing Supplementary Planning Guidance.
Other renewable energy: sympathetic if well sited and designed.
Minerals: Reference to maps indicting area of search (not published in these documents - I will ask for copy), sand and gravel - 15 years supply maximum, cumulative impact considered if 3 more more consents for landfill for mineral extraction within 5km of a settlement, explicit reference to buffer zones etc.
Coastal Development: similar to existing policy - limited to developments requiring coastal location and where social and economic benefits outweigh adverse environmental impacts and no alternative site. List of other hurdles - coalescence of settlements, character and amenity, flooding, water quality, coastal processes or habitats. I make no comment!
Green Belt: extensions to existing; agri/forestry/horiticulture/nature conservation; recreation use compatible with countryside; sensitive restoration; worker in primary industry rerquired on-site; National Priority; Safeguarded resources in Areas of search (see Minerals above). Comment that development in Green Belt may reduced travel compared to development beyond.
The 3 houses on edge of rural settlements seems a pragmatic way to allow organic growth - but it will be interesting to see what happens with the maximum 20% in any 5 year period limit. It seems odd to allow retiring farmers in Rural but not in Accessible - the social factors are similar. I'll need to see the maps for Minerals areas of search. Coastal and Green Belt - very similar to existing. However, we were also expecting a review of the Green Belt maps in this local plan and as a result of the AWPR. We need this.
Development in Countryside: divides Aberdeenshire into 3 : Accessible (around Aberdeen and the A90 and A96 corridors), Regeneration priority (Peterhead-Fraserburgh and the Moray coast) and Rural (everything else). In Accessible, small scale developments suitable for Green Belt will be allowed plus refurbishment/replacement of existing. For Rural, add economic development proposals, max 3 houses close to edge of existing settlements, or single house for retirement succession of viable farm holding. (Rural includes Regeneration).
Wind Energy: technical rules re roads/railways, flights, TV reception, ice throw shadow flicker, noise, visual intrusion. Impacts on Core Paths and Cumulative Impact. Reference to existing Supplementary Planning Guidance.
Other renewable energy: sympathetic if well sited and designed.
Minerals: Reference to maps indicting area of search (not published in these documents - I will ask for copy), sand and gravel - 15 years supply maximum, cumulative impact considered if 3 more more consents for landfill for mineral extraction within 5km of a settlement, explicit reference to buffer zones etc.
Coastal Development: similar to existing policy - limited to developments requiring coastal location and where social and economic benefits outweigh adverse environmental impacts and no alternative site. List of other hurdles - coalescence of settlements, character and amenity, flooding, water quality, coastal processes or habitats. I make no comment!
Green Belt: extensions to existing; agri/forestry/horiticulture/nature conservation; recreation use compatible with countryside; sensitive restoration; worker in primary industry rerquired on-site; National Priority; Safeguarded resources in Areas of search (see Minerals above). Comment that development in Green Belt may reduced travel compared to development beyond.
The 3 houses on edge of rural settlements seems a pragmatic way to allow organic growth - but it will be interesting to see what happens with the maximum 20% in any 5 year period limit. It seems odd to allow retiring farmers in Rural but not in Accessible - the social factors are similar. I'll need to see the maps for Minerals areas of search. Coastal and Green Belt - very similar to existing. However, we were also expecting a review of the Green Belt maps in this local plan and as a result of the AWPR. We need this.
Local Plan: Main Issues: Employment, Offices, Homeworking, Tourism, Town Centres and Retailing
See below for details of the process and please get back to me with comments by say 20th January - else your concerns may not be raised. I'll just post here very quick summaries and my comments - do see the original documents for the full version.
Employment land - existing employment land protected for employment purposes (rather than silence in current local plan)
Office development - new specific policy allowing in employment land, existing derelict, despoiled or underused, with encouragement for accessible by public transport, cycling or walking, and a sequential test.
Homeworking - new policy saying it's OK so long as it doesn't interfere with the neighbourhood.
Tourist facilities - new specific policy encouraging if well related to existing settlements or there is a locational requirement. Resistance to converting tourist accommodation to other uses.
Town Centres and Retailing - retains (but does not strengthen) sequential approach to new retail. Specifies some sites for bulky comparison outlets. In Rural HMA allows new retail to support tourism.
Retail in Countryside - new policy allowing farm shops or ancillary to tourist or recreational use.
I'm generally supportive of the direction of this. I want to encourage more employment in Aberdeenshire and recognise that the fastest growth and maximum employment is usually from small enterprises growing.
I have some concerns that there may be a few loopholes opened. I find the identification of specific sites for bulky retail odd - the onus should be on the developer to find a site and make the case. I am wary of the rules for converting tourist accommodation to residential use - it's the weasel word "reasonable". And "the erection of a farm shop in the countryside does not require planning permission" seems a step too far to me.
Employment land - existing employment land protected for employment purposes (rather than silence in current local plan)
Office development - new specific policy allowing in employment land, existing derelict, despoiled or underused, with encouragement for accessible by public transport, cycling or walking, and a sequential test.
Homeworking - new policy saying it's OK so long as it doesn't interfere with the neighbourhood.
Tourist facilities - new specific policy encouraging if well related to existing settlements or there is a locational requirement. Resistance to converting tourist accommodation to other uses.
Town Centres and Retailing - retains (but does not strengthen) sequential approach to new retail. Specifies some sites for bulky comparison outlets. In Rural HMA allows new retail to support tourism.
Retail in Countryside - new policy allowing farm shops or ancillary to tourist or recreational use.
I'm generally supportive of the direction of this. I want to encourage more employment in Aberdeenshire and recognise that the fastest growth and maximum employment is usually from small enterprises growing.
I have some concerns that there may be a few loopholes opened. I find the identification of specific sites for bulky retail odd - the onus should be on the developer to find a site and make the case. I am wary of the rules for converting tourist accommodation to residential use - it's the weasel word "reasonable". And "the erection of a farm shop in the countryside does not require planning permission" seems a step too far to me.
The cost of destruction
If the Menie development didn't after all go ahead, there is a bond to pay for the restoration of the dunes. So how much do you think it will cost to undo the marram grass planting, remove fencing, remove hessian sheet and fences and let the dunes revert to their natural dynamic state?
I have a copy of the legal agreement between Aberdeenshire Council and Trump so I know the answer. But I'll let you guess for a day or two ....
A prize of some tablet for the nearest guess - and we will do this to the nearest pound. Think of it as an Xmas quiz!
The restoration bind is for the princely sum of £157,752 so congratulations to Sue Edwards who guessed £2,000. I owe you some tablet.
I have a copy of the legal agreement between Aberdeenshire Council and Trump so I know the answer. But I'll let you guess for a day or two ....
A prize of some tablet for the nearest guess - and we will do this to the nearest pound. Think of it as an Xmas quiz!
The restoration bind is for the princely sum of £157,752 so congratulations to Sue Edwards who guessed £2,000. I owe you some tablet.
Next Local Plan
At our meeting on 27th January, we will only discuss the contentious areas so I need to read the report carefully over the next two weeks and highlight areas that worry me. If you want to flag your concerns to me also - or indeed tell me that you think that any particular policy has got it spot on - do let me know. I'll probably post more here as I digest the "heap".
There will be a further set of paper relating to settlements so I'd ask you to hang fire on comments about our towns and villages for now if possible.
AWPR
The Scottish Government has announced that the AWPR is to go ahead but that the Aberdeen Crossrail project will not proceed. All this just a few days after the close of Copenhagen at which Alex Salmond trumpted the Scottish Government commitment to reducing CO2 emissions.
I have always been a skeptic re the AWPR: the major problem with Aberdeen is peak hours commuter congestion. And public transport and better planning could deal with these without building a dual carriageway around the city.
I will be fascinated to see hear any arguments detailing how this road will reduce CO2 emissions - and please don't just say that congested traffic is inefficient: high speeds are inefficient too and journey lengths may be longer. Every new road built has generated more traffic and the planned developments in the Blackdog-Peterhead corridor will guarantee this.
But what is vexing me is how this road will be paid for. The current estimates for the road are £295-395m of which about £100m has already been spent. Now no-one believes the bill be simply be the £395m by the time it is built. But let's take the £395 figure, in which case Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Council will each need to find £37.5m.
Both councils have funding pressures and this will only get worse over the next 5 to 10 years.
How is the Scottish Government going to fund this? Can the councils afford it?
I have always been a skeptic re the AWPR: the major problem with Aberdeen is peak hours commuter congestion. And public transport and better planning could deal with these without building a dual carriageway around the city.
I will be fascinated to see hear any arguments detailing how this road will reduce CO2 emissions - and please don't just say that congested traffic is inefficient: high speeds are inefficient too and journey lengths may be longer. Every new road built has generated more traffic and the planned developments in the Blackdog-Peterhead corridor will guarantee this.
But what is vexing me is how this road will be paid for. The current estimates for the road are £295-395m of which about £100m has already been spent. Now no-one believes the bill be simply be the £395m by the time it is built. But let's take the £395 figure, in which case Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Council will each need to find £37.5m.
Both councils have funding pressures and this will only get worse over the next 5 to 10 years.
How is the Scottish Government going to fund this? Can the councils afford it?
Copenhagen - it up to us.
It seems the politicians have failed to deliver the necessary actions at Copenhagen. There are some fine words - but there is a world of difference between good intentions and long term promises and the concrete action needed.
So we need to do, without the help of the policies and initiatives that would help, what we can. So please sign up to 10:10 and encourage everyone you know - individuals, organisations, and businesses to sign up to.
Hopefully this is a setback - the fine words may yet turn into the real action needed. But the clock is ticking away and the longer action is delayed, change will then have to be harder and faster.
The planet will survive - but without action, the lives of almost everyone on earth will be affected and for some that impact will be deadly. The Scottish Government's recent Climate Change Adaptation document makes interesting reading. The kind of floods that we had in November may become normal.
So we need to do, without the help of the policies and initiatives that would help, what we can. So please sign up to 10:10 and encourage everyone you know - individuals, organisations, and businesses to sign up to.
Hopefully this is a setback - the fine words may yet turn into the real action needed. But the clock is ticking away and the longer action is delayed, change will then have to be harder and faster.
The planet will survive - but without action, the lives of almost everyone on earth will be affected and for some that impact will be deadly. The Scottish Government's recent Climate Change Adaptation document makes interesting reading. The kind of floods that we had in November may become normal.
P&J says it will not report anti-Trump stories.
The Press and Journal has thrown away all pretence of balanced reporting on Trump today. In a series of articles, it claims that Tripping up Trump has tenuous links to the NE of Scotland and finally says
Read all four articles for yourself.
"This newspaper has given a voice to all those who have wished to become involved in the debate about Donald Trump’s plans. That courtesy was extended to Tripping Up Trump in the belief that it was bona fide group of local environmentalists. Today, it has been withdrawn."This is sad day for freedom of speech and good journalism in the NE of Scotland.
Read all four articles for yourself.
Councillor Risk
This is an extract from Aberdeenshire Council's Corporate Risk Register. I noticed this amongst 240 other risks as it was "Increasing".
Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
| Risk No | Risk | Risk Type | Potential Impact | Inherent Risk | Mitigants & Controls | Residual Risk | Risk Status | ||||
| Probability | Impact | Risk Rating | Probability | Impact | Risk Rating | ||||||
| C019 | Councillor objective may be at divergence from Council Vision and Objectives. | Political | Reduction in ability to deliver Council's Vision | 2 | 4 | 8 | Council:CMT communication CPP process Committee processes | 3 | 2 | 6 | Increasing |
Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Should Holyrood rule?
Fiona Hyslop has threatened to take education away from local councils - because they haven't delivered smaller primary class sizes. And now the SNP government is apparently considering removing social care from local councils too. That would centralise about three-quarters of local government spending.
I happen to believe in local people making local decisions. And if that means that government manifesto policies are not delivered so be it. It's local councils that run schools so Holyrood may ask for smaller class sizes. But they can not demand it.
And it worries me that people who want independence for Scotland, don't understand that democracy at council level matters too.
Update:
Fiona Hyslop has been removed from post.
I happen to believe in local people making local decisions. And if that means that government manifesto policies are not delivered so be it. It's local councils that run schools so Holyrood may ask for smaller class sizes. But they can not demand it.
And it worries me that people who want independence for Scotland, don't understand that democracy at council level matters too.
Update:
Fiona Hyslop has been removed from post.
Is Aberdeenshire in favour of 10:10 after all?
Yesterday, the Provost refused to allow a motion on 10:10 from Martin Ford to be debated, saying it needed discussion at Policy and Resources. But today, a news release on Aberdeenshire's website asked residents to support 10:10. Now any support is welcome.
But as Martin says
"What happened overnight? Certainly there was no meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee. Yet the Council's public relations department has now issued a press release quoting leading members of the administration group backing 10:10.
"But this U-turn has made the Council look ridiculous and vulnerable to a charge of hypocrisy. The Council itself wouldn't sign up yesterday. Today it wants others to do what it wouldn't."
I spotted the news release at lunchtime today and felt disgusted that two councillors from the ruling group were now asking for support for 10:10 and that council officers had given their very thin release official sanction.
It would be a serious matter if Council staff are being used for party political purposes. Are officers acting impartially towards the different political groups on the Council? Will the Council now be publishing my press releases? I doubt it as they won't link their website to my blog!
But as Martin says
"What happened overnight? Certainly there was no meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee. Yet the Council's public relations department has now issued a press release quoting leading members of the administration group backing 10:10.
"But this U-turn has made the Council look ridiculous and vulnerable to a charge of hypocrisy. The Council itself wouldn't sign up yesterday. Today it wants others to do what it wouldn't."
I spotted the news release at lunchtime today and felt disgusted that two councillors from the ruling group were now asking for support for 10:10 and that council officers had given their very thin release official sanction.
It would be a serious matter if Council staff are being used for party political purposes. Are officers acting impartially towards the different political groups on the Council? Will the Council now be publishing my press releases? I doubt it as they won't link their website to my blog!
Aberdeenshire supports Vote Earth
Aberdeenshire Council today unanimously agreed to support the Vote Earth campaign. Things are moving in the right direction with President Obama and China both making positive statements today. I hope that Copenhagen can produce a binding deal. The latest scientific advice is that unless emissions are stabilised by 2015-2020, then it may all be too late. So we have to start some serious cuts now.
That's why campaigns like 10:10 matter - and I am hopeful that when Aberdeenshire's Policy and Resources Committee discussed this, they will sign up. I've signed up personally - have you?
There is a problem however. Despite both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats nationally being against the third Heathrow runway, they would not support a motion congratulating BAA for halting work on this. Why - it now won't be built and it costs nothing to acknowledge the fact. Is it because Martin Ford proposed the motion? Or is it simply that they believe all economic growth is good - and hang the consequences?
That's why campaigns like 10:10 matter - and I am hopeful that when Aberdeenshire's Policy and Resources Committee discussed this, they will sign up. I've signed up personally - have you?
There is a problem however. Despite both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats nationally being against the third Heathrow runway, they would not support a motion congratulating BAA for halting work on this. Why - it now won't be built and it costs nothing to acknowledge the fact. Is it because Martin Ford proposed the motion? Or is it simply that they believe all economic growth is good - and hang the consequences?
Brewdog expansion approved
Brewdog, Scotland most innovative brewery today had its proposal for a new eco-brewery and tourist facility at Potterton approved.
I suspect a bottle of Tactical Nuclear Penguin may be opened in celebration. Health warning: this is a very strong beer and must be treated with respect.
Tactical Nuclear Penguin from BrewDog on Vimeo.
I suspect a bottle of Tactical Nuclear Penguin may be opened in celebration. Health warning: this is a very strong beer and must be treated with respect.
Tactical Nuclear Penguin from BrewDog on Vimeo.
CPOs
Aberdeenshire took a small step towards giving the Menie residents some comfort that they will not be subject to CPOs. They approved a motion without a vote that affirmed a commitment to UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights including article 17 (2) "no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property"
Of course there is some scope for interpretation. Some of my colleagues may still think that a golf course and housing development is more important but at least we know know that 74% of the population disagree.
Please keep up the pressure - detailed on who voted which way on the explicit vote on the Menie CPOs is below.
Of course there is some scope for interpretation. Some of my colleagues may still think that a golf course and housing development is more important but at least we know know that 74% of the population disagree.
Please keep up the pressure - detailed on who voted which way on the explicit vote on the Menie CPOs is below.
More houses for rent - but who is paying
The SNP government has announced plans to buy up 2000 houses that private developers can't sell - using money that local councils will borrow. But the £200m cost of the scheme has to come out of someone's pocket and it looks like local councils may be forced to pick up the bill - while the government gets all the credit. The houses would be sold and the funds put back to councils when the house market picks up. A new body would be responsible for managing these properties - but why set-up a new Quango, when Housing Associations could do this?
Co-incidentally Housing Associations have been told that their funding for new permanent homes for rent will be £200m less next year .....
See press article for more information.
Co-incidentally Housing Associations have been told that their funding for new permanent homes for rent will be £200m less next year .....
See press article for more information.
Aberdeenshire challenged over Trump
Permission was recently granted to add land at Mill of Menie (where Molly lives), Menie Fishing Stations, Leyton Cottage, Hermit Point, Leyton Farm plus some council owed land to the outline permission granted by the SNP government.
Subsequently, Aberdeenshire council, without waiting for the conditions of the original outline permission to be fulfilled, granted permission for the start of the destruction of the SSSI - stabilisation with marram grass and fencing.
Molly's challenge is to the process used by Aberdeenshire in these applications.
This is a brave step by Molly who is seeking to protect her home and the homes of her neighbours.
The planning permissions are
Crowds
I spent part of this afternoon asking people to send their own message to the politicians who will be at Copenhagen. Many were very willing - and a few took time to draw pictures and write throughtful contributions. But I found it sad that some said they thought there was no point - that things had gone too far and there was no way back.
They may be right - the target of limited global warming to 2 degrees only gives us a 50:50 chance of stopping the situation escalating out of control. But 50:50 is better in my book than certainty. We have to try.
Thanks to Friends of the Earth for running the "message in a bottle" event.
And I took a few minutes out to join a few hundred people at the Union Square Mall for a flash mob. We all fell asleep for 5 minutes - to the bemusement of many.
They may be right - the target of limited global warming to 2 degrees only gives us a 50:50 chance of stopping the situation escalating out of control. But 50:50 is better in my book than certainty. We have to try.
Thanks to Friends of the Earth for running the "message in a bottle" event.
And I took a few minutes out to join a few hundred people at the Union Square Mall for a flash mob. We all fell asleep for 5 minutes - to the bemusement of many.
Planning consensus
A surprising amount of consensus broke out at the Formartine Area Committee meeting today on planning matters.
Brewdog - a Fraserburgh-based brewery wanting to expand on a site near Potterton gained support despite the site's Greenbelt status - see Paul Johnston's blog for details. It'll be interesting to see what Full Council makes of this next week, especially as the details will be new to the vast majority as only 16 councillors (out of 68) were at the pre-determination hearing.
But we came dangerously close to approving significant internal modifications to the A-listed Barra Castle near Oldmeldrum despite very strong opposition from Historic Scotland. Some councillors started from a position that changes didn't matter if they were not seen. However, second thoughts prevailed and we stepped back from a careless grant.
I do however worry about the scrutiny of some things. We had in front of us proposals for some £2m a year worth of council house upgrades but with policy set by the central Social Work and Housing Committee but Area's approving the spends, there may be some lack of control. Part of the problem as usual is that Council are required to jump through a standard set by central government even if they could perhaps do better for their tenants by other means.
The priorities are supposed to have Energy Efficiency Improvements as a priority but apart from good progress towards the Scottish Quality Standards, there was scant detail on the actual quality of what was being proposed. The route to addressing fuel proverty is not necessarily new heating systems but to minimise the heating needed through better insulation. Hopefully officers will come back to me with details of the standards for the work (e.g. the U-values aimed for in the door and window replacements) and what other energy efficiency measures are in the plan .... But I fear that the focus is to deliver a set standard.
Brewdog - a Fraserburgh-based brewery wanting to expand on a site near Potterton gained support despite the site's Greenbelt status - see Paul Johnston's blog for details. It'll be interesting to see what Full Council makes of this next week, especially as the details will be new to the vast majority as only 16 councillors (out of 68) were at the pre-determination hearing.
But we came dangerously close to approving significant internal modifications to the A-listed Barra Castle near Oldmeldrum despite very strong opposition from Historic Scotland. Some councillors started from a position that changes didn't matter if they were not seen. However, second thoughts prevailed and we stepped back from a careless grant.
I do however worry about the scrutiny of some things. We had in front of us proposals for some £2m a year worth of council house upgrades but with policy set by the central Social Work and Housing Committee but Area's approving the spends, there may be some lack of control. Part of the problem as usual is that Council are required to jump through a standard set by central government even if they could perhaps do better for their tenants by other means.
The priorities are supposed to have Energy Efficiency Improvements as a priority but apart from good progress towards the Scottish Quality Standards, there was scant detail on the actual quality of what was being proposed. The route to addressing fuel proverty is not necessarily new heating systems but to minimise the heating needed through better insulation. Hopefully officers will come back to me with details of the standards for the work (e.g. the U-values aimed for in the door and window replacements) and what other energy efficiency measures are in the plan .... But I fear that the focus is to deliver a set standard.
Aberdeen against Climate Change
I have been asked about local action relating to the Copenhagen talks. The only street event I know about is:
I think there are a few key messages that we need to get across
Friends of the Earth will be helping you to send a Message in a Bottle to Copenhagen 1-3pm Saturday 21st November, St. Nicholas Square (outside M&S). Collected messages will be conveyed to Copenhagen in December at the time of the all important summit. Please write your message - and if you can volunteer to help collect messages, just turn up and offer to help.I would also urge you to make your views known direct to our parliamentarians. The simplest way is via http://www.writetothem.com. if you wish, contact your councillors too - we need to do what we can as individuals, at work, and in public life at all levels.
I think there are a few key messages that we need to get across
- We need action at all levels now.
- The developed world must lead - we have emitted most carbon so far so it is only fair for us to reduce first and fastest.
- Change will not be easy for any of us - but the alternative is worse.
- We can and will do our bit - but we need our politicians to take a lead.
Support for Trump crumbles .... and questions about Council impartiality.
You may be interested in this article by Ron Edwards in today's Sunday Herald (though I've linked to the blog version as I prefer a picture of the dunes, even if it is at Balmedie rather than Menie, to DT's face).
A YouGov poll sets opposition to the use of CPOs at 74%, rising to 86% amongst LibDem voters. The four families involved should take heart from this poll finding - but they are not safe in their homes until the council rules out the use of CPOs. I am not surprised by the overwhelming opposition to the use of CPOs - this is one of those "all right thinking people" questions. The surprise has always been the extreme reluctance of the majority of my council colleagues to make their position clear.
For entertainment, you may also be interested in this David Letterman interview with the McDonald who reveals the source of his 93% support claim!
A YouGov poll sets opposition to the use of CPOs at 74%, rising to 86% amongst LibDem voters. The four families involved should take heart from this poll finding - but they are not safe in their homes until the council rules out the use of CPOs. I am not surprised by the overwhelming opposition to the use of CPOs - this is one of those "all right thinking people" questions. The surprise has always been the extreme reluctance of the majority of my council colleagues to make their position clear.
For entertainment, you may also be interested in this David Letterman interview with the McDonald who reveals the source of his 93% support claim!
Dance for Climate Change
There are many ways to make your voice heard in the run up to Copenhagen.
Sign up to the 10:10 campaign - a commitment to cut your emissions by 10% in 2010 and gives some practical advice on how.
Sign up to the WWF's Earth Hour Campaign
Join the Wave in Glasgow on 5th December.
But let's also celebrate what people can do together, so let me share Dance for Climate Change with you.
Joyous!
Sign up to the 10:10 campaign - a commitment to cut your emissions by 10% in 2010 and gives some practical advice on how.
Sign up to the WWF's Earth Hour Campaign
Join the Wave in Glasgow on 5th December.
But let's also celebrate what people can do together, so let me share Dance for Climate Change with you.
Joyous!
Welcome to Mark
A very warm welcome to Councillor Mark Cullen who has joined Paul Johnston, Sam Coull and Martin Ford in the Democratic Independent Group (DIG) on Aberdeenshire Council.
Mark has shown independence of thinking and a firm determination to judge issues on their merits and I look forward to working more closely with him - and occasionally having my thinking challenged by him.
Mark brings the DIG to 5 members, which now entitles the Group to a place on all five Aberdeenshire policy committees and a place on various smaller sub-committees and working groups.
Mark has shown independence of thinking and a firm determination to judge issues on their merits and I look forward to working more closely with him - and occasionally having my thinking challenged by him.
Mark brings the DIG to 5 members, which now entitles the Group to a place on all five Aberdeenshire policy committees and a place on various smaller sub-committees and working groups.
Congratulations to Martin Ford - nominated as Scottish councillor of the year
Congratulation to my colleague Martin Ford for being nominated for Councillor of the Year in the Herald's Scottish Politician of the Year Awards. Martin is up against Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow and COSLA President Pat Waters. To be nominated as a backbench councillor is a significant achievement.
The citations for all three are
The citations for all three are
- Aberdeenshire councillor Martin Ford made the headlines by taking on Donald Trump over the multi-billionaire developer’s plans for a golf course and housing. His stance led to his resignation from the LibDem group on the council.
- Steven Purcell, the Labour leader of Glasgow City Council, is Scotland’s highest profile councillor. In the last few years, he has helped bring the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow and changed the city’s image.
- South Lanarkshire Labour councillor Pat Watters is better known as the president of Cosla and, as such, is the voice of Scottish local government – a difficult job with 32 councils to represent. He has taken risks politically through his consistent support for the concordat with the SNP administration.
National disgrace, scoundrel and extremist
To celebrate my formal acceptance into the Scottish Green Party, despite their being warned that, according to the Trump Organisation, I am a national disgrace, scoundrel and extremist, I have decided to rename this blog - and share a view of those famously beautiful dunes.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
The Wave
T A few days ago the Scottish Government published Production of a Time Series of Scotland's Ecological and Greenhouse Gas Footprints, It makes depressing reading with emissions rising steeply in the travels sector and little sign of reduction elsewhere. Something has to change and we can help make that happen by convincing the politicians about to meet in Copenhagen that we care and change can happen.. On Saturday 5 December 2009, ahead of the crucial UN climate summit in Copenhagen, thousands of people from across Scotland, from all walks of life, will flow through the streets of Glasgow to demonstrate their support for a safe climate future for all. The Wave is organised by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland.
Join The Wave - Scotland’s biggest ever demonstration in support of action on climate change.
We want the UK Government to Share Scotland’s Ambition, Protect the Poorest and Act Fair & Fast.
Friends, old and new
I have had a delightful weekend at the Scottish Green Conference in Dumfries. It was lovely to be greeted by old friends from my days of political activism in Edinburgh in the late 80s and early 90s. And new friends came to the fore when flooding meant that the last leg of the return journey from Edinburgh to Aberdeen had to be abandoned.
I think I shall enjoy working in my new political home. It is a smaller party than I have been used to but it is not that different to the Liberals in the 80s so there is a familiararity. But also a positive engagement in trying to find real solutions and a new way forward that will benefit people and the environment. The issues are huge, the answers are difficult and putting these into action harder still. But I saw a real determination to align principles and practise and to engage with people - including the driver of the bus to Edinburgh who I suspect will never forget meeting Robin Harper. I left the driver with a membership application form - from such seeds does a party grow.
So thanks to everyone for a great weekend - and thanks for Maggie for her organisational skills and Moira for her hospitality. Their actions turned a bad end to a wonderful weekend into a positve pleasure.
Now back to transport ....
I think I shall enjoy working in my new political home. It is a smaller party than I have been used to but it is not that different to the Liberals in the 80s so there is a familiararity. But also a positive engagement in trying to find real solutions and a new way forward that will benefit people and the environment. The issues are huge, the answers are difficult and putting these into action harder still. But I saw a real determination to align principles and practise and to engage with people - including the driver of the bus to Edinburgh who I suspect will never forget meeting Robin Harper. I left the driver with a membership application form - from such seeds does a party grow.
So thanks to everyone for a great weekend - and thanks for Maggie for her organisational skills and Moira for her hospitality. Their actions turned a bad end to a wonderful weekend into a positve pleasure.
Now back to transport ....
Too delicious!
Too sad. Thanks twodoctors.org
Trump Junior, like Bush Junior, got his job and his name from his dad. Life's been easy for them both, and victory always feels inevitable with a background like theirs.
Trump Junior, like Bush Junior, got his job and his name from his dad. Life's been easy for them both, and victory always feels inevitable with a background like theirs.
Fuel poverty
With increasing fuel prices, we also see rising fuel poverty which is defined as needing to spend more than 10% income on fuel. Now fuel prices regardless of source are set to continue to rise and the rate of rise is likely to be faster than any rise in income.
We have to move to having better insulated homes that require minimal heating. Aberdeenshire has been given £170,000 to bring 20 houses up to the 2016 building standards. That works out at £8,500 a home. That is a start but with over 100,000 houses in Aberdeenshire it is a drop in an ocean. We know what needs to be done - there is oodles of advice out there.
The problem is up front cost versus cost reduction later. We need a scheme where homes can be upgraded and the reduction in fuel costs is shared between paying back the cost and providing benefit to the household.
There is a win win win available.
We have to move to having better insulated homes that require minimal heating. Aberdeenshire has been given £170,000 to bring 20 houses up to the 2016 building standards. That works out at £8,500 a home. That is a start but with over 100,000 houses in Aberdeenshire it is a drop in an ocean. We know what needs to be done - there is oodles of advice out there.
The problem is up front cost versus cost reduction later. We need a scheme where homes can be upgraded and the reduction in fuel costs is shared between paying back the cost and providing benefit to the household.
There is a win win win available.
- We can remove fuel poverty.
- We can reduce CO2 emissions.
- And we can have more comfortable homes.
Menie dunes set for destruction
Today planning permission to stabilise the SSSI mobile sand dunes at Menie was granted. There are a few details to be sorted out so Trump "Work will start tomorrow" is the usual bluster. But once those details are cleared, this will be first step towards the destruction of the SSSI. The designation is because of the geomorphology - the scientific interest is because this is a highly mobile sand dune system. If the development does not proceed - and Trump now says he needs the houses of four of my constituents in order to do the development - then rewinding the works will be difficult. The planning permission talks about 16 lorries a day and we still do not know the extent of the earthworks.
So visit the dunes now before works start. You will shortly not be able a to see the wild and beautiful place in its natural state.
Paul Johnston and I moved to defer the decision pending independent legal advice. The Council's position seems to have changed over the last few days and we were told that they had taken independent advice. But we do not know the details of that advice - nor whether, as for CPOs (see Sunday Times), Ann Faulds representing Trump had also been offering her advice. Certainly Ms Faulds was there yesterday so it seems as if Trump were more worried about the legal position than the environmental impacts.
So visit the dunes now before works start. You will shortly not be able a to see the wild and beautiful place in its natural state.
Paul Johnston and I moved to defer the decision pending independent legal advice. The Council's position seems to have changed over the last few days and we were told that they had taken independent advice. But we do not know the details of that advice - nor whether, as for CPOs (see Sunday Times), Ann Faulds representing Trump had also been offering her advice. Certainly Ms Faulds was there yesterday so it seems as if Trump were more worried about the legal position than the environmental impacts.
Legal threat to council for being 'in bed with Trump' over resort
Scotsman Article
"ABERDEENSHIRE Council is facing court action over claims that the authority is giving "favourable treatment" to Donald Trump in dealing with the tycoon's controversial plans for his £1 billion golf resort."
"ABERDEENSHIRE Council is facing court action over claims that the authority is giving "favourable treatment" to Donald Trump in dealing with the tycoon's controversial plans for his £1 billion golf resort."
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