More than 40 objections have been lodged against plans for a link road for a new community at Stonehaven, over fears it could turn a quiet street into a “rat run” or “mini bypass” for vehicles avoiding the centre of the town.
Kirkwood Homes has applied for planning permission to build a link road at land adjacent to East Lodge at Ury Estate.
The proposed route would cut through the Polbare tree belt and continue downhill and westwards, before joining the east link road at a give way junction, to the west of the lodge.
If approved, a stretch of the existing B979 Netherley to Stonehaven road at the site could be blocked to vehicles by bollards, and become a shared footpath and cycleway.
The plans have been created in part to help better link the Ury Estate to the A957 Slug Road, and improve connectivity with future developments in the area.
However, dozens of local residents have voiced concerns it could have a negative impact on nearby roads, including East Lodge Drive.
One resident who lives on Raedykes Crescent said: “Whilst I fully understand and agree with the requirement for a road from the east of the Ury estate to the Slug Road, I would like to voice my concerns in using the current East Lodge Drive for this purpose.
“My opinion is that this new road will inevitably become a rat run or mini bypass for vehicles who will wish to use this road, in both directions, to avoid going through the centre of Stonehaven.”