Plans to expand a business park on the edge of a north-east town were passed yesterday despite concerns they could lead to flooding.
Bancon Developments and Dunecht Estates were granted planning permission in principle for an extension to the Stonehaven Business Park at East Newtonleys.
The development next to the Glasslaw Burn was approved by Aberdeenshire Council’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee, despite worries it could lead to increased water run-off into Stonehaven.
The stream is a tributary of the Carron Water, which burst its banks in 2009 and 2012, causing severe damage to properties in the Mearns town.
Both the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Aberdeenshire Council’s flood prevention unit found no issues with the plans.
The developers have also proposed a “detention basin” to collect surface water from the site.
Yesterday Stonehaven councillor Wendy Agnew said she still had concerns abo
“This is an important decision for Stonehaven. I am worried about flooding, and the community council is too.
“Nothing has given me comfort about the drainage of this site. It is a massive site.”
Fellow Stonehaven councillor Peter Bellarby said: “A flood risk assessment shows a significant reduction in the flows to the Glasslaw Burn.
“The flood prevention unit has no objections and Sepa has no objection in principle.
“To my mind the flooding issue has been addressed and will be considered further.”
Councillors voted 9-3 in favour of the development.