Plans for 32 houses approved – despite fears for Trusty the wildcat

Councillors on the Marr Area Committee yesterday approved plans for 32 houses in Kennethmont, despite residents’ concerns for local wildlife.

The site – currently a field – lies to the south of Rannes Hall on Station Road.

A mixture of houses are proposed, consisting of single, one-and-a-half and two storey terraced, semi-detached and detached homes.

Developers hope the work will be completed in three phases over the course of 10-15 years.

During the planning process, 42 representations were received by Aberdeenshire Council – 23 objections and 18 expressions of support.

There was concern over the potential impact on the design landscape at Leith Hall, located to the north of the site.

Other residents raised concerns about the effect on traffic, noise pollution and the affect on local wildlife.

On wrote that “many” locals were aware of wildcats in the area that might be harmed by the increased population.

The resident’s objection added that one wildcat – often seen within the gardens of Leith Hall – had even earned the name ‘Trusty’ due to being spotted so often.