UPDATE: The proposal to demolish the vacant former Stewart Milne Group base in Westhill and replace it with 45 new affordable homes has been officially rejected. The decision was made by the Garioch area committee of Aberdeenshire Council earlier today, following significant concerns from local residents and officials.
The plan, put forth by Bancon Construction and The Lombard Merton Trust, aimed to transform the empty Peregrine House on Mosscroft Avenue into a housing development featuring a mix of one to five-bedroom properties, designed to meet the growing demand for affordable housing. However, councillors raised alarms over the property’s proximity to noise-producing businesses, particularly the adjacent Westhill Garage.
Despite assurances from developers that noise levels would have a “low impact” based on a recent assessment, fears persisted. Residents voiced apprehensions about the inability to open windows due to noise and potential traffic congestion.
“Who would want to live in the middle of an industrial estate next to a working repair garage?”
questioned Westhill councillor Iris Walker, emphasizing the impracticality of the location.
The proposed development was set to include 80 car parking spaces, two bin stores, and a cycle store, with an emphasis on accessibility—four of the units were designed to be wheelchair accessible. However, feedback from three local residents indicated significant concerns over the local infrastructure’s ability to support an influx of new residents, particularly regarding schools and health services.
Environmental Health officers initially opposed the project, citing noise from surrounding businesses as a major issue. The developers suggested mitigation strategies, including a 3.9m high fence and a controversial “closed window” approach, which many found unacceptable. Councillor Jim Gifford criticized the idea, stating, “Advising residents to keep their windows closed to prevent noisy nuisance is frankly absurd.”
Despite the recommendations from planning officers to approve the development as a solution to the ongoing housing emergency declared by the Scottish Government, the council ultimately sided with public sentiment. The proposal was decisively rejected by a vote of 11 to 2.
As discussions continue about how to address the pressing need for affordable housing in the area, the council’s decision highlights the complex balance between development and community impact. Residents will be closely watching how local authorities respond to these ongoing housing challenges in the future.
For now, the future of affordable housing in Westhill remains uncertain, with this rejection underscoring the urgent need for a solution that aligns with both community needs and local business operations.
