ABERDEENSHIRE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2021
LAND AT BURNSIDE CROFT
DRUMLITHIE
PROPOSED SMALL SCALE HOUSING SITE
Introduction
The welcomes the opportunity of early engagement
with Aberdeenshire Council regarding the preparation of the next Local
Development Plan. In this regard the has been
commissioned by to bring to the attention of the Planning
Authority the opportunity for a limited extension of the settlement boundary
of Drumlithie. A site plan accompanies this ‘bid’.
Background
The site was considered through the Examination process associated with the
current Local Development Plan. In this regard it is useful to consider the
comments of the Reporter. He concluded:
“4. This modest triangular site falls within the protected land designation P1,
which is intended “to conserve the woodland corridor and amenity area for the
village”. The site does have a rather unkempt appearance, and given it relates
well to the village and site OP1 I consider that a modest development which
retained the trees adjacent to the burn, together with the two mature trees on
the western boundary of the site, would not compromise the integrity of the P1
designation.
5. Whilst I find the site does have some planning merit, the inclusion of this site
is unjustified as a structured environmental assessment process has not been
undertaken, nor is there evidence of public engagement, contrary to paragraph
118 of Circular 6/2013 ‘Development Planning’. On this basis no modifications
are recommended. There is however scope for a small‐scale proposal on the
site to be considered through the development management process, in the
context of policy R2.”
Clearly, the Reporter had some sympathy for my client. However, we recognise
that we ‘came to the table’ late in the day and did not engage in the plan
making process at an early enough stage. However, the Reporter considered
that a planning application could address the issue of environmental
assessment and public consultation. However, in discussion with the
Development Management Team it was considered that the most appropriate
way forward was to promote the land through the review of the Local
Development Plan
Merits of the Site
Land adjacent to Burnside Croft fronting Glenbervie Road represents a logical
direction for limited growth of the village. The site is technically a brownfield
site being the location of the former waste water treatment plant serving the
settlement. The land was purchased from the North of Scotland Water
Authority (now Scottish Water) in 1998 and was initially used to keep animals
and grow vegetables. However, due to a change in circumstances of the
landowner the land is now vacant, underused and overgrown. In its current
state, it has a negative visual impact on the entrance to the village. The
proposal for 3 houses would enhance the setting of the village and be in
accordance with Scottish Planning Policy, paragraph 40 which encourages
Planning Authorities to consider “the re‐use or re‐development of brownfield
before new development takes place on greenfield sites”. This is reinforced by
the Aberdeen City and Shire Strategic Development Plan which states at
paragraph 3.50 that “Opportunities for redeveloping brownfield sites will vary
from place to place and over time but need to be a clear priority. Such
redevelopment should respect the character of the local area and improve the
quality of the environment”. The proposal would achieve these aims by
allowing a small scale redevelopment which would ultimately improve the
character and environment of the village.
The land currently forms part of a much wider designation known as P1 which
seeks to conserve the woodland corridor and amenity area for the village.
However, the limited release of land to be contained within the village
envelope would not conflict with this aim. Significant tree cover already exists
along the western and northern (partly) boundaries of the site which would
not be affected in any way by a small development of three houses. The
western boundaries of trees, noted above, are the subject of a Tree
Preservation Order and these will continue to be maintained in accordance
with good practice. Indeed my client has worked with the Council in this regard
in the past at her own expense. Indeed future occupants of the proposed
houses would be in a better position to continue the maintenance of the trees.
The comments of the Reporter are of note in this regard.
A close inspection of the site reveals the presence of the discharge pipe from
the underground tanks and the associated concrete substructure. There is also
a significant concrete hard standing on much of the upper western portion of
the site. The Scottish Planning Policy definition of brownfield land is “Land
which has previously been developed. The term may cover vacant or derelict
land......, The recently adopted Local Development Plan reflects this definition.
Agricultural use of the site is not a viable option as it is not currently possible
to cultivate the land due to the presence of the hard standing and the
underground tanks located close to the surface. Livestock grazing is not viable
due to tree growth. Some photographic evidence accompanies this
submission.
In terms of the Tree Preservation Order, the protected trees would not be
affected in any way – indeed the presence of occupants of the proposed
houses would result in better management of the asset.
Inspection of the SEPA Flood Map reveals that the site is free from flooding
including from surface water. I note the adjoining zoned site suffers from
predicted surface water flooding.
Conclusion
There is much merit in altering the settlement boundary of Drumlithie to allow
for a limited, organic growth. A view shared by the Reporter who conducted
the Examination of the existing Local Development Plan.
I agree that Aberdeenshire Council can use the information provided in this
submission for the purposes of identifying possible land for allocation in the
next Local Development Plan. I also agree that the information provided, other
than contact details and information that is deemed commercially sensitive,
can be made available to the public.