Planning Matters

Learney Hall

Local Plan Development

• Torphins map,
  
• M5 : West end of Torphins,
  
• M69 : Fields at Waulkmill Farm,
  
• M83 : Annesley Farm Torphins,
  
• M26 : Craigour Road, Torphins
  
  

Torphins Community Council Response to the Main Issues Report Local Development Plan 2009 Introduction Torphins Community Council responds to Question 20 of the Main Issues Report ('MIR') as follows: Question : What are your views on the sites preferred for development? Our views in regard to area M5 are to the effect that development of the whole site would constitute overdevelopment. Part of M5 should be developed as follows: Within that area forming part of M5, as shown delineated and hatched in blue the accompanying plan ('the Plan'), it is recommended that 16 units of low cost/ sheltered housing be constructed here. This area is also suggested for a car park, retail and recreation. Car Parking : There is currently a car parking problem in Torphins. The car park adjacent to the Learney Hall is always full during school terms. Also, when both sides of the carriageway opposite the general store are occupied, the carriageway is reduced to one lane causing difficult and potentially dangerous traffic conditions in proximity to the busy junction. As a result TCC recommends that part of M5 on the Plan should be developed as a car park with emphasis on the need for disabled parking. Retail :TCC believes there is a need for additional land for retail use and that the most suitable location would be in the area lying to the west of the Learney Hall - in part of M5 on the Plan. This is the closest available area which can be developed in proximity to the existing retail outlets. The general store is proving to be too small to suit the needs of the village. Recreation: The existing park at Grampian Terrace is mainly taken up by the football pitch and there is a need for a more centrally located public park area which is not so dominated. That being the case TCC suggests that part of M5 is earmarked as a public park area. Such a park would lie adjacent to the car park suggested above and would therefore be easily accessed. Our views in regard to the area M83 are that this site is not to be developed on as, amongst other considerations, it is understood that there is doubt as to the availability of suitable access to this area. The Main Issues Report recommends it as a preferred site because of its 'proximity to The Square' which is incorrect and, indeed, it is located some considerable distance from The Square. Question : Do you think that these represent the best locations for development in the area? We agree that an area forming part of M5 is one of the best locations for development. Of the existing 560 houses and flats there is a distinct lack of small houses, flats and sheltered housing to satisfy the needs of first time buyers and people reaching, or already in, retirement. TCC would be in favour of the village housing stock increasing by approximately 60 new houses and flats over the next ten year period. It is understood that the sewage treatment works presently has capacity for an additional 50 housing units. Being close to the centre of the village, M5 is one of our preferred locations for these. Question : Do you think that other sites should be promoted for development other than those preferred? Yes. We believe that part of the area of M69 lying North of the public road be recommended for the construction of 45 units of medium to high density housing to include a mix of flats and small houses. The existing Local Plan earmarks an area of land to the rear of Station Garage, M26, as suitable for appropriate employment uses. This area has not so far been developed and TCC recommends that this proposed employment area remains in the Local Development Plan 2009. It should not be allowed to become residential land if it remains undeveloped for employment. This area is shown marked M26 on the Plan. Maps indicating areas as referenced in Torphins Community council response.