Proposals for a new housing development on the outskirts of Buckie have been approved, despite concerns raised by local officials. The project, which will consist of 174 homes, was given the green light by planning officers, with some conditions attached.
One of the main concerns raised during a meeting was the lack of public transportation options for residents of the new development. While two bus stops will be installed along Barhill Road, there are currently no bus services running in the area. Additionally, plans for a footbridge over the Burn of Buckie have been delayed due to changes in government funding.
Councillors expressed worries about the disconnect between the new development and the rest of the town, highlighting the need for better connectivity to encourage the use of environmentally friendly forms of transport. Some members also raised concerns about the impact of using agricultural land for housing, pointing out that the UK only produces 60% of the food it needs.
Furthermore, there were objections to the proposed color schemes for some of the properties, with concerns that colors like sky blue may not fit the character of the area. Suggestions were made to make allotments in the southeast corner of the site accessible to residents.
Traffic congestion and road safety were also significant concerns among planning committee members. It was agreed that a briefing would be organized for councillors to discuss how road capacity is determined in the area.
The housing development, proposed by Springfield Properties, will feature a variety of home designs, including flats and detached houses. Affordable housing options will make up a portion of the total homes, with a retail unit and public amenities such as a play park and art installation included in the plans.
Despite the approval of the housing development, it is clear that there are still several issues that need to be addressed to ensure that the new community integrates effectively with the existing town of Buckie. Concerns about transportation, aesthetics, and the impact on agricultural land will need to be carefully considered moving forward.