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.
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.
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