A SERIES of public consultation events about the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan (LDP) kicked off in Ellon this week.
And local residents were strongly urged to make their views on the various options known to planners.
The meeting, which took place at the New Inn Hotel on Monday evening, was the first of 24 events which will be hosted by Aberdeenshire Council a
cross the region over the next month and it allowed local people to express their opinions and ask questions of planners.
More than 50 people attended the meeting, which was chaired by Councillor Rob Merson and featured presentations by Piers Blaxter and Bill Ashcroft from the council's Local Plan team.
Following the presentations, which explained the context for the plan and included a brief run through of its contents, the floor was opened for questions.
Among the issues on which clarification was sought were: the basis on which some sites were identified as "preferred" for development; how the plan should relate to issues of flooding; and the way in which community facilities could be provided in advance of housing developments.
Mr Blaxter frequently referred to the need to make written representations and tried to ensure people understood the requirement to fill in a response form.
These forms were available on the night and are also available from libraries, the Local Area Office in Ellon, or from Aberdeenshire Council's website at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/ldp.
"As at all of the public meetings being held around Aberdeenshire, we are unable to respond to verbal comments made on the night," said Mr Blaxter.
"With a written comment we can give appropriate consideration to the points being made and are able to provide a reasoned response to the person making the representation and to elected members when they consider representations".
Documents relating to the Main Issues Report (MIR), which aims to highlight and promote discussion on the merits of different sites, are available now.
The MIR lays out choices for settlement options in the area and in particular the locations where planners feel development should and should not occur.
Preferred options for land allocation in the various communities have been set out but it was noted that no firm decisions have been made as of yet.
Mr Blaxter emphasised that there is nothing at this point that could not be changed and he encouraged interested parties to take this opportunity to shape the plan.
The Main Issues Report is the main focus for engagement on the LDP and was published on May 18, beginning a 6 week consultation period.
Preparation of the LDP began last year and it is expected to be adopted in 2011.
Copies of the Main Issues Report and supporting documents have been mailed to around 320 community and industry stakeholders and have also been lodged in libraries and area offices.
The documents are also available on Aberdeenshire Council's website along with other relevant information dedicated to the consultation at: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/ldp.
Further public meetings are scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 28 at White Horse Inn, Balmedie and on Tuesday, June 2 at Meldrum Academy, Colpy Road, Oldmeldrum and at Newmachar School, 7 School Road, Newmachar. All meetings will begin at 7pm.
