Plans for nearly 50 homes on the outskirts of an Aberdeenshire community have been approved despite fears it could ruin a “valued view” of an iconic hill.
The Garioch area committee yesterday approved building 48 houses – including about 12 affordable homes – at farmland near Rothney Court, Insch.
The decision was made despite worries that the development could harm views of local landmark Dunnydeer Hill, which is famed for the ruins of a Pictish fort at its peak.
West Garioch councillor Patricia Oddie echoed the concerns of the 12 objectors, and said tarnishing the view of the hill would be a “crime”.
She moved to refuse the plans, and said: “The area is dominated by Dunnydeer. It is a valued view and I’d like to make sure that is still available for people to look at. What are we doing to protect that view?
“It is the layout of the development that concerns me. It is a protected view and a valued view. This is going to block that view.
“I just think it would be a crime to put a pile of houses in front of that.”
But senior council planner Bruce Strachan urged councillors to back the plans for the site, which was allocated for up to 50 homes in the 2012 local development plan.
He said: : “It is fair to say that the view from the end of Rothmay is going to be significantly affected by the new housing. However there will be other areas within the site where the view is available.”
Inverurie councillor Hamish Vernal said he was satisfied visitors and residents would still be able to enjoy “360 degree views of Dunnydeer”, and backed the plans.
The council has asked developers Drumrossie Land Development Co to contribute to the local area – including Insch Primary, Inverurie Academy and Insch Medical Practice – through a Section 75 agreement.