Committee to make decision on Rothienorman affordable housing
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Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure Services Committee are expected to discuss a proposal for an affordable housing development - which would be operated by the local authority - in Rothienorman next week.
An application was submitted in August to build 12 homes at currently vacant land at Kinbroom.
The application was brought to the table in November however councillors deferred a decision to allow them to gather more information, especially regarding flooding, local amenities and waste water drainage.
The application was approved with conditions by Formartine Area Committee in November.
Councillors will once again have the opportunity to discuss the application at their meeting on Thursday, which will take place online in adherence with current guidelines.
While guidelines state that any developments of more than four properties should be at least 25 percent affordable homes, this development is fully affordable homes and consists of four one bedroom flats, four two bedroom homes, three three bedroom homes and a four bedroom home.
Plans also show dedicated space for 26 cars.
Since the application was last brought before the committee the applicant has hosted a community engagement event to hear feedback and answer questions from local residents and interested parties which was well attended, however no notable alterations have been made to the application following this.
When the application was initially submitted it received formal objections from 20 households, as well as a petition bearing 41 signatures - 28 of which are solely represented on the petition.
The main concerns from the objections related to a lack of amenities in the village to sustain the quantity of people which the new housing development could encourage to move into the area, and councillors will consider all of these representations as well as the one in favour of the development when reaching their decision.
The report which councillors will consider recommends that the application should be approved, however the report also lists a number of conditions recommended by the Area Committee which should be adhered to if the application is approved.
