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Conservation group’s plea to Aberdeen City Council to protect ‘stunning green landscape’ from development

The land that could be developed, overlooking the Bridge of Dee
The land that could be developed, overlooking the Bridge of Dee

A community group with more than 300 members has begged Aberdeen City Council to save a “stunning green landscape” on the borders of the city from development.

Protect Banchory Devenick (BPD) was established to prevent building in the rural area, which lies to the south-west of Aberdeen.

In recent months, its membership has grown dramatically, from 180 in June to more than 300.

The city council approved its proposed local development plan in March, in which land next close to Tollohill Wood and the A92 Aberdeen to Stonehaven road was identified for the future development of up to 150 homes, as part of the “Royal Devenick Park” area.

The Comer Property Group has already put forward proposals for a housing development at the site.

But PBD strongly oppose any development on the land and the organisation has now written to the council’s planning committee convener, Marie Boulton, pleading for the land to be retained as a green space.

In their letter, the PBD say: “Banchory Devenick forms a unique backdrop to the southwest of Aberdeen city.

“It is a stunning green landscape of hill, river, forest and farmland that epitomises and defines the wonderful natural setting of the Granite City of Aberdeen, and its unparalleled rural shire environment.

“It is where Royal Deeside meets the city.

“New visitors to the city often experience their first views from Banchory Devenick. It has a crucial impact on how our city is perceived.”

The group adds: “Those exact views, from this green space, are associated with generations of residents with the words of the song The Northern Lights Of Old Aberdeen.

“This song is sung in cars as people pass through Banchory Devenick travelling home.

“This area has been protected for generations by the wisdom of the city and shire planning authorities, in-line with the will of the citizens.”

The group said said many people had been “stunned” to see the land designated as a “housing opportunity” in the local development plan.

They point out it has green belt status and had previously been designated as “undesirable” for development.

PBD has asked Ms Boulton to “demonstrate her commitment to continuing the work of generations in protecting the irreplaceable in our city and shire”.

The deadline for making representations to the city council’s proposed local development plan is August 31.