Agenda item

The Forum had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Strategic Place Planning, on a submission of a Proposal of Application Notice by Atkins Architects, on behalf of their client Aberdeen City Council, for a major residential development for approximately 213 units comprising a mix of unit types, associated streets, parking and amenity spaces, at the former Kincorth Academy site Aberdeen, 200989.

The report advised that the site was previously occupied by Kincorth Academy and associated playing fields, and all buildings had been removed to leave a vacant site.  The site had an irregular shape extending to 3.9 hectares and was bound by Deevale Gardens, Kincorth Circle and Kincorth playing fields to the north, with existing three storey flats fronting onto Auldearn Place to the east.  Cairngorm Drive had predominantly two storey terraced houses to the south; and three storey flats facing out on Cairnvale Terrace to the west. Mature trees were located along the north and parts of the southern boundary, and a high mature hedge along the western boundary and part of the southern boundary. There was a distinct change in levels between the eastern part of the site, which used to house the school buildings, and the western half of the site, where the playing fields were, with the latter set at a significantly higher level.  The entire site, including the playing fields to the west, was allocated as an opportunity site – OP105 in the 2017 Aberdeen Local Development Plan and it was proposed that this allocation be repeated in the 2020 Proposed Local Development Plan.

The report explained that the proposed application was for a major residential development of approximately 215 residential units, associated streets, parking and amenity spaces.  An indicative site layout submitted as part of the Proposal of Application Notice showed a layout with a total of 213 units, as 27 houses and 186 flats. The flatted blocks would generally be two and three storeys in height, and would predominantly be located in the west, south and east parts of the site, with the terraced properties located along the north boundary. Vehicular access would be taken from Kincorth Circle and Deevale Gardens to the north, Cairnvale Terrace to the west and Cairngorm Drive to the south. A central linear open space through the site would run in a north-south direction, roughly where the existing banked change in levels was.

The Forum heard from Dineke Brasier, Senior Planner who addressed the Forum and provided details regarding the planning aspects of the application. 

Ms Brasier explained that as part of the application, the applicant had been advised that the following information would need to accompany the formal submission:-

• Pre-Application Consultation Report;
• Design and Access Statement including visualisations;
• Planning Statement;
• Transport Assessment;
• Travel Plan;
• Drainage Impact Assessment;
• Tree Survey and Arboricultural Impact Assessment;
• Landscape Strategy;
• Land Contamination Assessment

The Forum then heard from the applicant/agent and the presenters were as follows:-

• Ricky Connell – Atkins Architect
• Stephen McGarrity – Atkins Architect
• Colin Doig – Aberdeen City Council

Mr Connell began the presentation and explained that the Kincorth Housing Project was part of the wider Aberdeen City Council Housing Programme 2022. The purpose of the wider housing programme was to address a long-term shortage of affordable social rented housing in the city.  The supply of affordable private rented sector housing had increased significantly within the city since 2014 and efforts were now needed to concentrate on addressing the continuing shortage of affordable social rented housing.

Mr Connell advised that within the development there would be 125 one bedroom flats, 32 three bedroom flats, 12 three bedroom semi-detached houses, 14 three bedroom houses for varying needs, and 1 five bedroom bungalow for varying needs. 

Mr Connell provided details on the concept of Home Zones which would be explored on all sites, where people and vehicles share the whole of the street space safely, and on equal terms, and where the quality of life takes precedence over the ease of traffic movement. As well as addressing the traffic aspects, Home Zone schemes can also aid a greater pride and responsibility in residents for the care and wellbeing of their surroundings.  There would also be bicycle stores and bins and aimed to have 40% of the development as open space.  They were also looking at large window formats. 

In terms of consultation with the public, they were looking to hold an online electronic event in collaboration with the Craighill application, due to their proximity to each other. 

Members then asked a number of questions of both the applicant and the case officer and the following information was noted:-

·        Discussions were underway with Aberdeen City Council about progressing an initiative such as a Men’s Shed or a Community Hub;

·        22% of the application site would be the building footprint, which would leave plenty consideration for open space;

·        It was the intention for all properties to be fitted with the capability for Fibre Broadband;

·        35 to 40% of the ground floor housing would be wheelchair accessible; and

·        In regards to the allocation policy for housing, the commitment to veteran housing would be incorporated.

The report recommended:-

That the Forum –

(a)             Note the key issues identified;

(b)             If necessary, seek clarification on any particular matters; and

(c)       Identify relevant issues which they would like the applicant to consider and address in any future application.

The Forum resolved:-

(i)               to request that the applicant consider the key points above; and

(ii)              to thank the presenters for their informative presentation.

-         Councillor Marie Boulton, Convener