Formartine councillors prepare to discuss proposed skate park for Ellon
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Formartine councillors will discuss Ellon Wheel Park when Formatine Area Committee returns next week.
The plans have previously been recommended for approval however due to a high number of objections and suggestions from local councillors that the proposal should be brought to the table, the planning permission has been added to Tuesday's agenda.
In total 120 objections were filed with Aberdeenshire Council when the plans were submitted, and the proposals continue to divide Ellon residents online.
If approved, the plans would see permission granted for a wheel park facility in Gordon Park, which would include two cycle tracks, a pump track and concrete skate park.
At present there are no proposals for additional lighting or fencing, however these may be added in the future if required.
A total of 318 valid individual representations were received - 206 in support and 112 in opposition to the plans.
A main focus of the objections is concerns about parking and increased traffic in neighbouring residentials area, with people also voicing their concerns about the lack of green space and increased noise pollution.
Many support the facility, saying it would provide benefits to mental and physical health as well as being an activity for all ages which families can enjoy together.
It is also felt that the wheel park would bring people into Ellon, therefore benefitting local businesses and facilities.
Environmental And Infrastructure Services have suggested that any biodiversity planting lost to the plans should be compensated elsewhere.
The former Ellon Community Council supported the addition of activities for young people in the town.
Following consideration and study by various organisations and departments, the report presented to councillors states: "due to the existing and surrounding land uses, the proposed wheeled park is unlikely to cause a significant detrimental impact on the character or amenity of the surrounding area."
In its conclusion, the report continues: "Overall, the proposal is appropriate in terms of its design and scale, without causing a significant determinate impact on amenity or the character of the area.
"It would provide an enhanced community facility on an area which is currently used by the local community.
"The proposal complies with [various policies], siting and design of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2017, and is recommended for approval."
Permission will likely only be granted if a schedule of biodiversity planting replacement can be agreed.
