PLANNING

Update on the Gordon Arms Planning Application

THE application for the development of    26 apartments within the Gordon Arms Hotel was approved in December 2001, despite the Planning Department's recommendation that it be refused, and the letter from Culter Community Council asking that local objections to the development be taken into account. Council officials made a site visit but the Community Council was not informed of the visit at that time. It is perhaps worth pointing out that the applicant (in this case Churchill Homes Aberdeen Ltd) has the right to appeal time and again against any decisions made, but neither  City  Councils  nor Community Councils have that same right. So, in this instance, we can do no more. The Environmental Forum is fighting for changes to this system so that in future City and Community Councils can have the chance to ask for an appeal against a decision which they feel is detrimental to the local community.

The Planning Department has put several conditions upon the development relative to the external finishes of the extended building, safeguarding of the trees within the construction   area,   and  on neighbouring land within 12 metres of the site, drainage and adequate sound insulation.

Now that the development has been given the go ahead, all Culter Community Council can do is try to ensure that the conditions are met with, and that there is minimal disruption to the surrounding landscaping, trees and neighbouring properties.

Susan Chappell-Smith

Culter Community Council

Editor: The Forum of Community Councils in Aberdeen also has been trying/or some years to have the Appeals system changed but, so far, with no satisfactory result.

© CulterNET 2008