A multimillion pound park-and-ride in the south of Aberdeenshire could finally be approved next week.
Plans for the facility, north of Portlethen near the Findon interchange, have been on the table for years and next week councillors will be told the development would be a “significant asset” for easing congestion.
The site, west of Marywell Park Homes, Nigg, would include a 1,000-space car park, an area for bicycles and a 50-seat waiting area.
Director of infrastructure Stephen Archers tells councillors in a report that the development would provide a “sustainable transport solution” to the existing traffic problems in the area.
He adds: “The provision of a dedicated park-and-ride facility has long been identified as a requirement for the southern access corridor to Aberdeen.
“The proposal would also provide a sustainable mode of transport option for local residents in the immediate vicinity and wider area to access Aberdeen city centre.”
Members of the Kincardine and Mearns area committee will hear the area close to the proposed site has undergone “significant urbanisation” in the last 10 years, including the creation of hundreds of homes at nearby Schoolhill.
In his report, Mr Archer acknowledges the development would have some impact on nearby residents, but says he does not believe it would create noise pollution, and that the impact on the view would be minimal given that it will be built near the busy A90 Aberdeen to Dundee road and an existing business park.
Mr Archer adds in his report: “It is the opinion of this service that the economic and social benefits that will arise as a result of this proposal clearly outweigh any environmental impact.
“The proposed facility has been modelled to identify a potential significant decrease in vehicular movements into the city, primarily at peak times.”
Meanwhile, plans for 44 serviced apartments and three retail units on a strip of land close to the Marywell Park Homes site will also be discussed at Tuesday’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee meeting.
Planners are recommending the proposals for approval, despite six objections being lodged raising concerns about the need for the development and increased traffic.