A planning and consultation process for the Aberdeen Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) has been formally launched, highlighting controversial proposals to use about one-third of St Fittick’s Park.
A notice has been delivered to councillors and local communities.
The site, in the south of the city, is expected to deliver thousands of jobs as the north-east cements a position in burgeoning industries like floating wind and hydrogen.
However, the development near the new £400 million-plus south harbour expansion is opposed by community groups committed to fighting to protect their green space.
Consultation events planned
A planning application notice was delivered to stakeholders today, a requirement for any major development application.
Along with setting out further details of the site, the document formalises the proposals affecting “around a third” of St Fittick’s Park.
Consultation events are planned for Torry United Free Church, from 3pm-8pm, on Thursday June 29, and Thursday August 3 by environmental consultants Ironside Farrar.
The not-for-profit ETZ Ltd, established in May 2021, is behind the plans.
It is made up of powerful business figures like chairman Sir Ian Wood, with representatives from Shell, Aker Solutions, carbon capture ands storage firm Storegga, the North Sea Transition Authority and others on its board.
Three zones
The documents set out three formal “zones” for the site around St Fittick’s Park, Gregness and Doonies as allocated within Aberdeen City Counncil’s local development plan.
- Zone A – Land at St Fittick’s Park
- Zone B – Land at Gregness
- Zone C – Land at Doonies Farm
A draft “masterplan” was submitted to the council earlier this year and is under review.
ETZ Ltd is preparing a “planning permission in principle” application for the “opportunity sites” set out above.
Controversy over Doonies and St Fitticks
The proposals, particularly around St Fittick’s Park and Doonies Farm have proved controversial for local communities.
Last year, after the scheme to use one-third of the park was unveiled, campaign group Friends of St Fittick’s Park said its members and the Torry community were “angry and disappointed”.
ETZ plans focus on jobs
A skills hub and centres of excellence for green hydrogen and floating offshore wind are among proposals for the ETZ.
The document says the “one over-riding goal” is to “protect and create as many jobs as possible, ensuring a “sustainable and vibrant future for the north-east, and the people who live and work here”.
Energy industry skills body Opito believes around 50,000 oil and gas jobs will be lost in the UK by 2030.
But opportunities to transition into new industries could mitigate some of these losses.
Conversation