PLANNING
FORTUNATELY there is nothing new, which is controversial, to report but I can give an update on some ongoing issues.
Gordon Arms Hotel: The opinion of the tree expert who examined the trees on this site (at the request of the Planning Department) has resulted in a Tree Preservation Order (no.168) being applied. Mr Hunter, however, is allowed to appeal against this and has been given time to do so. This meant that the planning application for 26 flats did not go to the September meeting of the Planning Committee but could go to the November meeting.
Bridgend (access path along the Leuchar Bum): The big gate has been removed and is now lying at the side - but this was not done by Aberdeen City Council. The Planning Department is pleased at how the riverbank is recovering but will still be discussing the problem of the barbed wire fencing with the owner.
Helicopter Hangar for Helicopter School, Baads, Anguston: Culter Community Council (CCC) was concerned at first by the term 'hangar', imagining the size of the buildings at Dyce airport. Mr Simpson, the owner, came along to a CCC meeting to show us his drawings and plans. He also showed a photograph of the hangar which, as well as accommodating the small helicopter(s), would house the offices, classrooms and conference room. Temporary buildings would be removed from the site. The Planning Department assured us that the building would look no larger than a large agricultural barn in a field. We therefore removed our objections.