Plans for a £250million housing, business and leisure development have resurfaced, four years after an Aberdeenshire community rallied against the scheme.
The controversial proposals for Mill of Forest at Stonehaven include 1,500 houses, a primary school, community facilities, a supermarket, a hotel and 25 acres of employment land.
Barratt North Scotland and Drum Property Group first unveiled their vision in 2009, but residents raised concerns that the infrastructure of the town could not cope and that the plans could harm tourism.
The scheme was not included in Aberdeenshire Council’s 2012 local development plan, but the developers have now renewed their bid as part of the current consultation on the next planning blueprint.
A council report detailing future potential developments across the region states there are no sites in Stonehaven planning chiefs would recommend for future development in 2016, but it acknowledges the Scottish Government reporter may not accept that and suggests some preferred options, including Mill of Forest.
Last night, Chris Ross, senior land manager for Barratt North Scotland, described the proposals as an “exciting opportunity to create a sustainable and sympathetic expansion” for Stonehaven.
He said: “As well as delivering a sought-after supermarket for residents, which could be built within the first 18 months of the development, the proposals crucially provide much-needed homes for a wide spectrum of groups from first-time buyers to the elderly, including a significant number of homes for the affordable housing market.
“More homes would also provide a platform for creating additional footfall and spending in the town, something a standalone supermarket would not provide which would therefore be detrimental to the wellbeing of the local business community and the vibrancy of the town centre.”
But some residents were unconvinced last night, and said little had changed since the proposals were first mooted.
Michael Innes, who is now chairman of the community council which voted against the scheme, previously raised concerns that the development could detract from the scenery that attracts tourists to Stonehaven.
He said: “I feel exactly the same as when the plans first raised their head.
“This is two or three years away, and is still just at the bids stage.
“The developer is entitled to put in bids for the local development plan, but until that’s approved, it’s all hearsay.
“Our stance at the community council is that until the developer puts in a planning application and holds proper consultation we don’t acknowledge their plans.”
Planning secretary Andrew Newton said he was concerned Stonehaven’s roads and facilities could not cope with as many as 1,500 homes.
He added: “We have a proposal for 1,500 homes and the infrastructure really can’t take it in Stonehaven.
“By and large the residents of Stonehaven don’t want this huge amount of housing coming in. We don’t think it could cope.”
But Mr Ross insisted the developers were “fully committed” to ensuring the project did not lead to traffic, flooding or drainage problems, which were all highlighted the last time plans were put forward.
He said: “We are fully committed to ensuring that key infrastructure works, such as a new bridge across the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee road are delivered as part of the first phase of the development.”
He added the firms were following the progress of the Stonehaven flood protection scheme, and that the drainage proposals would “complement and enhance” the project.
Michelle Ward, director of Stonehaven Town Partnership (STP) and vice-chairwoman of the Stonehaven Business Association, welcomed the proposals after meeting the developers last week.
She said: “I had the opportunity to look over these plans with the developers on Thursday and it looks like another exciting proposal for Stonehaven to consider.”
Fife Hyland, of Drum Property Group, said there would be opportunities for local community groups and residents to view and comment on the proposals. He added it was “vitally important” they did so.