A “developer bank” is to be set up to pay for a possible flyover at a notorious junction on the A90 Aberdeen-Dundee road.
The idea was hailed as a “very positive move forward” as MSPs decided to keep open a petition calling for improvements at Laurencekirk. Campaigners have been battling for several years to see a flyover – or grade-separated junction – be built on the A90 with its junction with the A937 road to Montrose.
The Scottish Government refused to comply at first, but as pressure mounted agreed to look into the issue.
The north-east transport authority Nestrans is conducting a study into the option. But Transport Minister Keith Brown has insisted a flyover must be funded by developers.
Holyrood infrastructure and capital investment committee decided yesterday to keep the petition open, as slow progress is being made. Convener Maureen Watt, SNP MSP for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, said: “I think there is absolutely no doubt there is a need for a grade-separated junction at Laurencekirk.”
Ms Watt said there was no getting away from the fact the Scottish Government insists the upgrade must be paid by developer contribution.
She revealed that Nestrans officials said at a briefing in Aberdeen last week that the cost will not fall on just one developer.
“One of the things at the meeting – which I found immensely encouraging – was that instead of one developer at Laurencekirk having to fund it they are going to have a ‘developer bank’, so a number of developers pay into it. That is very positive,” she said.
Petitioner Jill Fotheringham said that while it was not the perfect solution, it was better than nothing.
“We are going to have to live with the idea the government have said it will have to be developer-funded,” she said.
“It is a bit of a poor show because it is on a trunk road and the trunk road is Transport Scotland’s responsibility.”
She added: “If it means it’s going to go ahead and make that junction safer, I welcome any progress.”
Nestrans director Derick Murray said developments in Laurencekirk fell within the Rural Housing Market Area and therefore were not required to contribute to the strategic transport fund. He added: “There is an allocation of 885 houses to the north of Laurencekirk within Aberdeenshire Council’s local development plan and developer contributions will be sought to improve access to the A90 road network.”