Plans to turn a public park in Stonehaven into a training ground for a rugby club have been recommended for approval – despite a 1,100-strong petition opposing the proposals.
Mackie Rugby Football Club first lodged a proposal to acquire the land at Forest Drive in July last year amid fears it could be forced to fold unless they secure a new site.
The club, which has been the main provider for local rugby players for 46 years, had previously leased two pitches at Redcloak – one of which has recently been terminated.
They are now hoping to gain ownership of Forest Park and build two new pitches, a training area and gym, clubhouse, changing rooms and storage facilities at the site.
But locals have also raised concerns this would lead to the loss of their only green space – cutting off families from a “beloved park at the heart of their community”.
Despite the concerns, more than 200 have also written to back the proposals.
Forest Park deemed ‘suitable site’
A community asset transfer request submitted to Aberdeenshire Council states the park was specifically chosen after it was deemed the most suitable location for the project.
A report written by the authority’s director of environment and infrastructure services, Alan Wood, said: “They had explored a number of potential sites with private landowners and developers but had so far not been able to secure suitable land.
“As any new site would probably require ground works to create suitable pitches and associated infrastructure then time was of the essence to find a new site which could be developed.
“If the rugby club is unable to find an alternative site then there is a serious risk that they may have to fold which would have a negative impact on the hundreds of children and adults who currently play the sport.”
If the proposal is approved, the club will take ownership of the park for just £1 – despite it being valued at over £65,000 – due to the “potential community benefit it presents”.
Campaign to stop Forest Park development
According to the blueprints, local residents will still be able to use the pitches outside of training hours and there will be a designated path for park users and dog walkers.
But hundreds of people have gone up in arms against the project to highlight the negative impact it would have on disabled and elderly residents, who use the park on a regular basis.
They have also raised concerns over potential increase in traffic congestion and pollution, as well as noise disturbance to neighbouring homes.
In total, the community asset transfer request has received 372 comments, of which 167 are objecting to the proposal with 205 in support.
Park users have also started a Save Forest Drive Park campaign to put a halt on the development, with a petition outlining their worries having amassed 1,165 signatures.
‘We need more open green spaces – not less’
Campaigner David Officer said: “I use this park regularly for running, walking my dog, playing football with the kids and even flying kites as a family. The proposals will put an end to that.
“The rugby club say they will retain a path around the park for walking and exercising dogs, but it will be a very different experience walking along a narrow path between high fences, than walking through a large green park.
“We need more publicly owned and managed green spaces for our health and wellbeing – not less, and it is outrageous that this asset transfer is being recommended for approval.
“I hope councillors will share my view and reject this recommendation so that the community around Forest Park, Brickfield and wider Stonehaven can retain this important green space for everyone to use.”
The application for the asset transfer of Forest Park will be discussed by councillors at the Kincardine and Mearns area committee meeting on June 14.
Conversation