Huntly Community Council hears about Starbucks and McDonalds plans
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LOCALS have quizzed the developers of a project which would bring McDonalds and Starbucks to Huntly.
Iftikar Mian, from Aberdeen-based developer West Coast Estates, answered questions on potential litter issues, the contribution to the local economy and crossing improvements at March 16's Huntly Community Council meeting.
Managing director of Dean's of Huntly Bill Dean also attended the meeting, as the project is a joint venture between the developer and his firm.
Dean's, which has been operating in Huntly for nearly 50 years, owns the land which is to be developed.
At the meeting, Mr Mian said the proposed Linnorie development involved £5 million of investment and that "a long-term commitment, a decades-long commitment" had already been signed.
He also claimed the project would bring in £100,000 in business rates for Aberdeenshire Council and create 100 new jobs in the area.
Along with Starbucks and McDonalds, a superfast charging hub from Dutch firm Fastned is included in the plans.
One of the first questions he faced from the Community Council concerned a potential increase in litter around Huntly.
In response, Mr Mian said managing litter would largely be the responsibility of waste contractors, but systems would be in place to prevent problems arising.
He said: "We are prepared to go above and beyond when it comes to litter.
"We really understand the views of local communities.
"We're really aware of the impact on local communities of litter, behaviour and what have you.
"In terms of waste, it will be held on site, but managed by waste contractors and sectioned off.
"There will also be people responsible for maintaining the land on behalf of the landlord and, as well as that, the landlord will be Dean's which is a neighbour to the development.
"I am sure they will be keeping an eager eye on it."
Another question focussed on how pedestrians and cyclists would cross the A96 to reach the development.
West Coast Estates said that no specific plans were included for crossings because Transport Scotland will be consulted during the planning process.
A transport statement submitted to Aberdeenshire Council by consultancy Fairhurst said the project was unlikely to increase the number of pedestrians crossing the A96.
It reads: "As noted above it is not expected that the roadside development will result in any significant pedestrian movements from within Huntly, with the vast majority of customers / users accessing the roadside development by vehicle.
"This would be expected for a roadside development in this location."
Mr Mian also committed to using local contractors during the nine-month construction process.
The McDonalds is to be a modular building, mostly constructed remotely, while the Starbucks will be built on site.
A consultation led by West Coast Estates to the development received 350 responses to the consultation and they claimed that 70 per cent of responses positive.
The company has previously worked with the Co-op, Sainsburys, Tesco and Starbucks.
The deadline for submitting comments in April 3, 2023.
A decision on the application is expected by May 5, 2023.
