Councillors yesterday backed a blueprint which could result in an Aberdeenshire village quadrupling in size.
Members of the Formartine area committee approved a masterplan for the future of Foveran which envisages more than 170 new homes, a new village centre and possibly a bigger primary school.
A planners’ report on the scheme said it took account of local development plan requirements while also aiming to achieve “a sense of place” for a community at the heart of the area’s Energetica corridor. Committee members had discussed the masterplan earlier this month, but sent it back to architects Halliday Fraser Munro and developers Harper and Cochrane for additional detail.
Yesterday, councillors heard seven acres of land had been allocated for educational facilities, or to expand the existing school, while more would be made available if a community campus was required. The committee was told 50 of the 175 new homes would be built in a first phase, with a new village square that would be accessible by bicycle or foot. The planners report said: “Specific pedestrian and cycle links have also been added connecting the allocated housing site to the south with the remainder of the proposed development and existing school.”
Residents have broadly welcomed the prospect of improved facilities as part of a sustainable village.
Ellon and District councillor Richard Thomson said last night: “I am happy that the developers have taken on board most of the comments made when the area committee discussed the plans. Although I still have concerns, they can be dealt with at the more detailed planning stages but the proposals represent a compelling vision for the future of Foveran.”
Foveran is in the heart of the Energetica corridor – a 30-mile stretch from Aberdeen to Peterhead which has been earmarked for new businesses and leisure developments alongside low-energy housing.