Draft masterplanning process could raise development standards
10/07/08
A new draft masterplanning process for Aberdeen which could speed up the planning process and improve the type and standards of developments in the city is to be put out for public consultation.
A report which went before the planning committee today explained that the revised draft Aberdeen masterplanning process gives direction as to how masterplans should be prepared to guide future development in the city.
It outlines the aims of a draft strategic framework, which maps and co-ordinates the distribution of development sites across the city. It also identifies a series of development frameworks to support the supplementary planning guidance on housing land release between 2006 and 2010.
The report states that the release of greenfield land will increase the amount of family and affordable housing available in Aberdeen, as well as employment opportunities.
Such development will support Aberdeen in its bid to be vibrant, dynamic, and forward looking, by planning for the city to grow in a sustainable manner which will provide for an increase in population, homes and employment, and help the city move towards achieving this vision.
In the report Dr Maggie Bochel, head of planning and infrastructure states: “The draft Aberdeen masterplanning process sets out clear guidance on how to assess the necessary issues relating to future development sites. The results of any masterplan will be that the acceptable forms and uses of development will be agreed publicly, thereby speeding up the subsequent planning application process and subsequently saving [city council] staff time.
She writes: “Aberdeen aspires to become a modern, global city supporting vibrant communities and a successful economy driven by a skilled workforce. In moving towards this vision, there is a need to grow the city in a sustainable way and to encourage an increase in population.
“A key element in enhancing the attractiveness of Aberdeen as a place to live, work and do business is the availability of good quality housing, including affordable family housing, in a variety of locations which offers a range of styles and sizes to meet all needs. The promotion of Aberdeen as an attractive city is essential for long-term, sustainable economic growth.”
Masterplanning will reduce the risk of piecemeal and inappropriate development in the city, and reduce the risk of missed opportunities for sustainable growth by promoting the integration of development opportunities and amalgamation of recent studies.
The report of the Local Plan Inquiry reporter described Aberdeen as having a “magnificent heritage of buildings of very high quality, in many cases set within remarkable designed streetscapes,” which mostly date from the development of the Granite City in the 19th century.
The reporter observed that objectors to the local plan, and the city council, were right to be concerned about the lack of comparable ambition or design skill in most of the recent developments in the Aberdeen, which were marked by their dependence on “simplified, vague references to traditional styles using imitation materials, or in mass-market private housing based on styles and materials derived from south-east England.
The main aim of masterplanning is to achieve sustainable places. The process identifies the need for consideration of site planning, community integration, sustainable transport, ecology and landscaping.
The masterplanning process will give the council an opportunity to give developers guidance on the type of development it wants, the type of properties to be built in the developments, and where those developments should be.
The housing sites identified for the period 2006-2010 are; Friarsfield and Morkeu (280 units); Stationfields, Cove (150 units); Hazledene (150 units); Greenferns (120 units); Leggart Terrace (50 units); Old Skene Road (25 units); Earlswells House (10 units); and Loirsbank Road (10 units).
The results of the public consultation will be reported back to the committee later this year.
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 08456 080910.
