Meldrum plans up for discussion

Residents in one of Aberdeenshire’s fastest-growing towns are being invited to comment on plans to expand the community and breathe newlife into its historic centre.

Land for a new parking area in Oldmeldrum could form part of proposals to build 50 newhouses on the edge of town.

Last night Jeff Goodhall, chairman of Meldrum BusinessGroupandofMeldrum Bourtie and Daviot Community Council, said the scheme could free up space for shoppers in the town-centre.

“Parking is one of the major problems we have in Oldmeldrum,” he said.

“Thetrouble is thatmany people are catching the bus into Aberdeen and taking upspaces in the existing car parks for the whole day.”

Local landowner Lesley Paterson has been in talks with Aberdeenshire Council about developing a vacant site at Chapelpark on the east side of town.

Property consultancy Knight Frank is acting on behalf of the landowner and has drawn up proposals for 50 homes on the site beside St Matthew and St George’s Church.

Knight Frank planner GaryPurves said yesterday: “We have put forward a plan for new housing at Chapelpark as part of the council’s local development plan review.”

Staff from Knight Frank will be on hand to discuss the proposals at an open meeting being held by the community council on October 29 in Oldmeldrum Town Hall.