Almost 40% of Stonehaven residents have approved of a proposed vision for the development and improvement of the town.
In excess of 250 people attended an exhibition last week hosted by the Stonehaven Town Partnership (STP), at which the organisation discussed developments for a thriving tourist spot near the beach front.
The community group’s vision includes a number of changes to the area, such as an extension to the town’s leisure centre, an extra tennis court, parking and retail facilities including space for a supermarket.
When asked about the draft plans, 38.3% of those who attended approved or strongly approved of the proposals, 21.9% were unsure or were not convinced and 24.2% were against or strongly against it.
Just over 15% of people did not express a view
Doug Samways, chairman of STP, said the preliminary returns also gave a clear indication of what parts of the plan attracted the people of Stonehaven but, crucially, what their concerns were.
He said the level of approval was “encouraging”.
“Given that everyone saw these draft plans for the first time on Wednesday last, the level of support for our thoughts is extremely encouraging,” he said.
“Clearly there are lots of issues to be expanded on and resolved, but the fact that well over a third of those attending immediately warmed to our way forward gives us the motivation to continue the exercise.”