THE Scottish Government has paved the way for nearly 70,000 new homes to be built in the north-east.
SNP ministers yesterday signed off a “clear and ambitious” economic masterplan that sets the framework for a £20billion investment in jobs, houses and infrastructure over the next 20 years.
Aberdeen City Council leader Barney Crockett claimed approval of the “visionary” document effectively meant the “sky is the limit” in terms of future growth in the city and shire.
He said the region was already the economic powerhouse of Scotland, thanks to oil and gas, and predicted it had the potential to become the jobs capital of Europe.
Under the Aberdeen City and Shire Strategic Development Plan, land will be identified across the region to build 67,500 new homes to meet the demands of the growing population – which is expected to rise to 500,000 by 2035.
The document contains firm commitments to deliver the Aberdeen bypass, upgrade the city’s harbour and airport, develop Peterhead Port, support plans for a new town near Portlethen and make improvements to the region’s road and rail network.
Mr Crockett said: “I am absolutely delighted that ministers have approved the strategic development plan. It is visionary plan and the sky is the limit for the area – we could become the jobs capital of Europe.
“Our strong position in energy is going to be built on further. The changes in the city are going to be dramatic.
“There is a lot to be happy about for people in Aberdeen and the north-east – this plan will ensure economic prosperity for decades to come.”
Aberdeenshire Council leader Jim Gifford said he was “very pleased” the strategic plan had been approved and claimed it was recognition that the region was an “economic powerhouse”.
“This is an ambitious plan for the future and we need all the things in there brought forward as soon as possible,” he added.
“The government recognises the region is an economic powerhouse but there is precious little infrastructure here and we need to get that sorted.
“Every pound spent here will be returned in spades, but that message does not seem to be getting through very clearly.”
Aberdeen councillor Ramsay Milne, chairman of the Strategic Development Planning Authority (SDPA), said ministerial approval for the plan set a “firm foundation for its implementation”.
“We are the only city and region in Scotland to have achieved 100% coverage of up-to-date development plans, an achievement we should all be rightly proud of maintaining with the approval of the Strategic Development Plan,” he added.
Aberdeenshire councillor Peter Argyle, vice-chairman of the SDPA and chairman of regional transport partnership Nestrans, said he was pleased the plan had been approved by ministers.
“This joint working between the SDPA and Nestrans, as well as the two councils, is very welcome,” he added.
“I am sure it will continue as we work with all parties to deliver the infrastructure to facilitate the growth aspirations of our plans.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Ministers welcome this clear and ambitious plan for growth in the north-east.”