Compensation paid out for land used for the Aberdeen bypass is set to go “way off” budget as a significant number of people have yet to make claims, it was claimed yesterday.
Homeowners can apply for compensation when properties or parcels of their land are taken over by compulsory purchase orders.
To date 273 claims have been made to Transport Scotland by landowners affected by the AWPR Balmedie to Tipperty project currently under construction.
But a total of 600 people with land bordering the route are estimated to be affected – and 75% of the compensation budget has already been spent.
Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request have revealed that £102.5m has being paid out so far in compensation from a budget of £135.9m.
Land agency firm Strutt and Parker has now urged propery owners to claim compensation before the deadline of January 2019.
Warning that the process can take a “considerable” length of time, Banchory-based partner Larry Irwin said: “Affected owners need to be aware that there is a statutory time limit on lodging and agreeing their claim.”
Mr Irwin said it was difficult to work out an exact figure for the total compensation that would be paid out because every landowner’s circumstances was different.
However, he believes that the budget estimated was “way off”.
He said: “We know that they have paid for all the houses at Milltimber, the International School and the relocation of the livery and cattery – it doesn’t leave a huge pot for everybody else.
“Each claim is supposed to be determined in its own right and assessed fairly – if there is compensation to be paid – it should be fair compensation.
“But if they are under pressure to keep the claims lower; then it makes it a lot harder if there is a parkball limit.”
However, last night a spokesman for Transport Scotland insisted that the total figure budgeted was realistic. He said: “Owners of land purchased for the AWPR/Balmedie to Tipperty project will receive fair compensation, independently assessed by the District Valuer.
“The estimated total compensation including the amounts already paid is £135.9m and we remain on target to meet outstanding compensation claims within that budget.”