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Consultation launched on major Buckie housing development masterplan


By Alan Beresford

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UP to 500 houses and other facilities could be built to the south of Buckie if bold development plans are given the go ahead.

A public consultation on a proposed major housing development at Barhill Road has been launched. Picture: Becky Saunderson
A public consultation on a proposed major housing development at Barhill Road has been launched. Picture: Becky Saunderson

An eight-week public consultation has been launched regarding the Buckie South Masterplan, the first two phases of which calls for 102 houses plus a retail unit to be built by Springfield Properties to the east of Barhill Road heading towards the A98. The area is rated for up to 500 houses.

If given the green light, it is envisaged that these phases would be completed by 2028, with phases 3-5 to the east of Barhill Road tagged for completion in 2042.

As part of the development, a 2.5ha site has been earmarked for a primary school, community facility, neighbourhood and pocket parks as well as local shops and services.

News of the consultation was welcomed by local councillors Sonya Warren, Tim Eagle and Gordon Cowie.

Councillor Sonya Warren. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Councillor Sonya Warren. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

Councillor Warren said: "Now's the best time for people to put forward their opinions and thoughts on the plans.

"There's a lot of information included in the masterplan and I encourage everyone to have a look and submit their thoughts. This proposal will cover a large area of our town, its not just another few houses that's being spoken about.

"It covers all aspects of living in the proposed areas, including shops, play areas, connectivity and infrastructure.

"All the comments will be included along with council responses in a further report to the planning committee to inform the decisions that are made regarding the final masterplan.

"I think its really important for folk in the community have their points considered and listened to before the decisions are made and would strongly encourage everyone to get involved in the consultation."

Councillor Tim Eagle. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Councillor Tim Eagle. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

Councillor Eagle said that there were many issues which had t be considered as part of the plans, including connectivity and community facilities.

He continued: "I recognise the need for more housing in Buckie but I am also very aware of the concerns of local residents, we must ensure that if this plan goes forward the very best elements of it are realised with early delivery of essential areas like play parks, sports facilities, and shops.

"I continue to push hard for stronger and better connectivity with the town centre for both cars and active travel. I will be listening closely to the voice of the community prior to this returning to council so we may ensure this significant development really does showcase the best of our town."

Councillor Gordon Cowie. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Councillor Gordon Cowie. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

Councillor Cowie commented: "I would like as many people to come forward as possible with their views and their ideas about what they would like to see to improve the links with the town centre.

"We all know the more houses built on the south west of town will only make the roads around Buckpool busier and more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians alike. As it is the only link for pedestrians they have to cross a very poor bridge that crosses the burn at Mains of Buckie or the busy road at Barhill, Netherha Road or St Peter's Road, which is not ideal.

"However, as I say, come forward with all ideas as at the moment nothing has been decided and your input is very important in the process.

"If you have any problems with the survey or the links I can pass anything on to the planners if that would help."

Planning committee chairman Councillor David Bremner.
Planning committee chairman Councillor David Bremner.

Chair of the planning and regulatory services committee, Councillor David Bremner, added:“The chance to contribute to the plans for a new and complete neighbourhood in Buckie is one I hope local folk will take up with the usual passion they have for their local area.

“We have a fantastic opportunity to build the foundations of a community-led neighbourhood development and I look forward to this Masterplan coming back to committee following input from locals.”

Six separate 'character areas' would be created as a result of the scheme: Summerton Square; Barhill Avenue; The Courtyard; The Heartlands; Garden Villages; The Gable.

The report set before committee members noted: "The vision for the draft masterplan is to create a sustainable, high quality neighbourhood with a strong sense of place that promotes opportunities for active healthy living."

One of the aims is to create 20 minute neighbourhoods where people can meet the majority of their daily needs within a reasonable distance.

The masterplan calls for a "new neighbourhood designed to take reference from Buckie’s historic context incorporating views to civic buildings within the town and outwards towards the Bin of Cullen".

Barhill Road and Summerton Square are designed to be focal points within the new neighbourhood. A neighbourhood park and two pocket parks are to be provided together with sites for allotments and community orchards.

A network of on-street and segregated footways and cycleways are to be provided throughout with connections to the existing development to the north and east. Opportunities to improve east-west connectivity beyond the Buckie South Masterplan area are currently being explored by the council.

The document also told councillors that there would be implications for the planned extension of Buckie Community High School due to the greater number of children the development would likely bring.

"The provision of a primary school and, as a minimum to provide additional secondary school roll capacity, an extension to Buckie High School, is being considered as part of the Learning Estate Review and future Asset Management Planning. Should a primary school be progressed within the Buckie South Masterplan area ground investigations will need to be carried out at an estimated cost of £40,000.

"Options are currently being appraised for the School Estate in Buckie, including future options for Buckie High School."

The deadline for responses to the consultation is 5pm on Monday, March 14. Representations to the masterplan should be emailed to localdevelopmentplan@moray.gov.uk

Feedback can also be submitted in writing to Moray Council, Strategic Planning and Development, Room 221a, Council HQ, High Street, Elgin, IV30 9BX.

The draft masterplan can be viewed at www.moray.gov.uk/buckiesouthmasterplan


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