Hill of Ardbeck

Bancon are preparing the submission of a planning application for the development of 60 houses on land at Hill of Ardbeck, Peterculter. The land is currently rough grassland, with trees around the periphery. There are two distinct hills on the site,to the north west and to the south. Inbetween, a natural bowl is largely screened from the wider area, with trees to the north, east and south.

The site forms part of a larger District Wildlife Site, but Bancon have presented a case to Aberdeen City Council outlining the fact that it contributes very little to this designation, except for the peripheral woodland. In reality, management of the site would be a great benefit for biodiversity, and would create a much more beneficial area of open space for public recreation use.

A case was made to the Aberdeen City Local Plan Inquiry, and the Scottish Government Reporter was supportive of the inclusion of the site for development. However, The Council decided not to implement that recommendation.

Bancon have a similar case before the Scottish Ministers in respect of the current Local Development Plan Examination, and are confident that a similar positive response will be given. Under the current regulations, the Scottish Government's decision is final.

In the short term, however, the Council's Housing Land Audit confirms that there is less than half of the required 5 year housing land supply available. Scottish Planning Policy requires by statute that a 5 year supply of effective land for housing is available at all times. In this respect, Bancon are choosing to pursue a planning application sooner rather than later.

Please take a few minutes to look through the proposals on these pages. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or opinions.