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Development frameworks agreed for key sites in Stoneywood and Bucksburn

Detailed documents designed to guide development on two key sites in Aberdeen have been approved unanimously by city councillors.

Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure Committee members have agreed a ‘Development Framework and Masterplan for the Stoneywood Estate’ and a ‘Development Framework for the Former Davidson’s Mill’ site on Mugiemoss Road.

Both documents are designed to guide the creation of new communities on the sizeable sites. They will form interim planning advice pending formal adoption of the Aberdeen Local Development Plan, after which they will be adopted as supplementary guidance against which all planning applications on the two sites will be considered.

The frameworks have been produced following extensive public consultation and aim to deliver new places whose hallmarks are top-quality building designs, layouts and environments – and which are distinctive, welcoming, adaptable, safe and pleasant, pedestrian-friendly, easy to get to and move around in, and resource-efficient.

The documents also spell out how development on the sites will address issues like transport infrastructure, public transport, affordable housing, walking and cycling, education, drainage, health, open space, commercial space and community facilities.

Enterprise, Panning and Infrastructure convener Councillor Kate Dean said: “Our Structure Plan for the region stresses that we must create communities which are special, sustainable and which respect the heritage of the North-east of Scotland.

“These are two extremely prominent and important development sites. The production of the Frameworks ensures we have the ground rules in place to get the developments right and build places in which we can take real pride.”

The 104-acre Stoneywood Estate site lies between the River Don and the A947 Stoneywood Road. It was acquired by Dandara Holdings Ltd in 2010, which has produced the framework and masterplan to create a new sustainable community.

The site will provide land for development in the early stages of the Aberdeen Local Development Plan period, and help meet targets and objectives in the Structure Plan.

The new community could comprise some 500 detached, semi-detached, terrace, steading-style and flatted homes, along with shops, a crèche, a health centre, a care home and a restaurant/bar. No fewer than a quarter of the homes would be affordable.

The Aberdeen Local Development Plan indicates the creation of a new primary school within the site – but a separate study by council education officials is under way into future school provision for the Bucksburn area to accommodate the new Stoneywood Estate and Davidson’s Mill communities. Officers will report to city councillors in due course on the best site in the area for a new school.

The 73-acre Davidson’s Mill site framework has been commissioned by developers the Stewart Milne Group Ltd, Manse (Aberdeen) Ltd and Westhouse Estates Ltd.

A mixed-use community is envisaged, comprising 700–900 new homes of varying types and in different densities – including affordable housing – along with attractive open space and 2,000 square metres of retail, service and community developments.

The framework says some of the steep the contours of the site should be regraded to create developable areas and better access.

A new pedestrian bridge is proposed across the River Don, with paths giving extensive access to the riverbank and beyond. Many natural and historical features would be preserved and enhanced.

Detailed planning applications will have to be submitted by developers and approved by city councillors before any development can go ahead.

The two framework documents are available on the Aberdeen City Council website at http://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=1907&T=10.

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