Plans to build dozens of new homes on the outskirts of Aberdeen have been approved – as the council ruled out fears over the safety of kids crossing nearby roads to get to school.
Cala Homes lodged a multi-million-pound scheme to turn the demolished Silverburn Housesite at Bridge of Don into a “new vibrant community” earlier this year.
It came after previous proposals to build homes, shops and offices there fell through, raising concerns the plot of land could become a “dumping ground”.
The former Baker Hughes base on Claymore Drive, across from the old AECC, was knocked down five years ago, and the site has lain empty ever since.
Cala Homes now want to bring it back into use, creating a modern residential complex at the north entrance of the Granite City.
Silverburn House site plans revised to include more green space
Under the initial proposals, 72 homes were to be erected where the former oil and gas offices once stood.
These have now been scaled down to 67, however, with construction expected to start within months.
Architects say this would add more breathing space between the houses, and allow for bigger gardens and designated play areas for children.
Cala Homes bosses also want to restore the land around the overgrown Silver Burn, which the area is named after, to make it an “attractive” green space for residents.
The revised plans include a mix of three, four and five-bedroom houses, as well as 16 one and three-bedroom affordable properties.
Plans recommended for approval despite road safety concerns
Councillors have now approved the plans.
This is despite fears that the new development would overpopulate the area.
The proposed complex is next to the Cloverhill site, where Aberdeen City Council plans to build another 563 houses – the first batch of which have already been constructed.
And members of the Bridge of Don community council voiced fears about children from the development having to cross a busy road to reach school.
They argued that the speed limit should be reduced from 60mph to 40mph between B&Q and the Parkway road before anyone even thinks of building more houses there.
However, council officers say this is a matter outwith the developers’ control, and therefore shouldn’t be a factor when considering granting them permission.
Following the decision, Ross MacLennan, the land director at Cala Homes, hailed the “good news for Aberdeen”.
He said it “paves the way for conversion of a former eyesore into a beautiful and welcoming entrance to the city”.
Mr MacLennan added: ““We look forward to moving forward with investment in this £20m community.
“We are delighted to see this application progress and look forward to ushering in this bright new gateway to the Granite City.”
Abandoned Aberdeen
The “eyesore” Silverburn House site is one of 65 pieces of vacant and derelict land highlighted in a new Scottish Government drive to spark development.
We had a look at how the amount of abandoned land in Aberdeen has grown over the past eight years.
There are 32 more recorded derelict or vacant spaces than in 2016.
You can find more details about the Silverburn House site plans here.
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