Udny Station housing scheme given the go-ahead
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Plans for 43 residential units and two business units adjacent to Woodlea Gardens in Udny Station have been given the go-ahead by councillors after a lengthy discussion at the Formartine area committee.
The 43 houses will comprise of 19 four-bedroom detached properties, 12 three-bedroom semi-detached properties and a mix of three and two bedroom detached properties and one unit of flats.
Foveran Community Council objected to the proposal for several reasons including the as yet former bistro site which has previously received planning approval still not being developed out and that the number of houses would radically alter the hamlets appearance.
Considerable concern was raised over the speed limits in the area and the provision of changes that would be needed to accommodate the moving of the 30mph limits.
With the site having previously been allocated and passed in the local development plan, the issue of adherence to the town centre first principle was raised by councillors.
However the planning service were of the opinion that having been included in the LDP it was deemed acceptable, and that while it was regrettable that the other site had not been taken on as yet, it had seen enough on site activity to be considered as still being a live applications.
Discussion was also held over the business use at the site and how it would be located, with either people passing through housing to get it or vice-versa for residents accessing the main road.
Commenting councillor Paul Johnston said: "The application has to be deemed as reasonable and even if we did refuse it, the reporter would see it in a different light.
"It is a shame about the roads issues but I would be sceptical about any reasons to stop at this stage.
Councillor Sheila Powell said: "I have to concur with councillor Johnston, I am concerned about the business units in this application as I don't think there will be sufficient control over what they are used for and that could impact upon residents.
Fellow councillor Jim Gifford was accepting of the plans but moved for a delegated to condition that the houses are constructed last.
It was explained that this was to a degree already part of the application which had a phasing plan, and councillors moved to grant the application with some revised conditions relating to the SUDS pond.
