A public meeting will be held next week to discuss controversial plans to build 1,500 homes at an Aberdeenshire quarry.
Plans for Park Quarry, near Drumoak, have been on the table for several years, but last month site owners Chap Group unveiled their revised plans for about 1,500 homes and community facilities.
The developer held a public consultation in the village last month, and said they were “encouraged” by the feedback they had received from residents.
But many members of the community are against the plans, and have argued that the area’s roads would not be able to cope with so many more houses on top of other ongoing developments. They also have pointed out that the developer had previously committed to restoring the quarry to farming land.
Now Crathes, Drumoak and Durris Community Council has organised a public meeting to give people the chance to have their say.
The group say that 91% of the community were against the previous 2011 plans for an eco-village, and that it is important for the wider community to discuss these fresh proposals.
Maxine Smith, vice-chairwoman of the community council, said: “It is the role and the duty of the community council to enable full egagement with local residents to ensure they have been informed, and to make sure they are aware of this information.
“Drumoak has undergone a sizeable chunk of property development in the area, with more ahead of us.
“The local development plan is in place for good reason and the process of property developers following and adhering to this is critically important if we are to achieve sustainable development in the area.”
Representatives from the Chap Group will attend Wednesday’s meeting at Drumoak Church Hall, and will make a presentation about their project before answering questions from residents.
Joint managing director Douglas Thomson said last night: “As a local company and employer, it is important to us that we receive feedback form the local community on the proposals and by engaging in a collaborative manner with the community council and local residents, we hope to design a new village that complements and adds to the distinct character of the area.
“We look forward to discussing the proposals further with the community next week.”
Wednesday’saug5 meeting will be held at 7pm.