The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Retirement village plan has objections
Dozens of people have objected to plans for a retirement village in an Aberdeen suburb, claiming it would amount to overdevelopment and the destruction of green space.
Scaled-back proposals for Binghill House in Milltimber have been submitted to the council for outline permission.
The site could contain around 60 cottages and flats for people over 60 instead of the 140 homes previously considered.
The plans, drawn up by architecture firm Halliday Fraser Munro, also include a 20-bed nursing home, shops, a cafe and allotments.
Managing director David Halliday said: “This is a unique project and the low rise, low impact design of the development respects the surrounding landscape.
“Properties will be located among the mature trees. Pedestrian movement will be prioritised throughout, creating an environment to encourage residents to spend time outdoors and footpaths will link the new development to Milltimber.”
But around 50 letters of objection have already been sent to council planners.
Resident Greig Henderson wrote: “We do not need any more housing, especially with many currently not selling on the market.
“Secondly, wildlife and green areas in Milltimber and Contlaw are becoming extremely sparse and this would remove a crucial area of our natural greenery which would be extremely unpopular to the residents who moved here for a reason.”
Another Milltimber man, Steve Horton, told officers: “It is such a shame residents of Milltimber are constantly faced with new challenges to despoil our beautiful environment by those seeking to make another quick buck at the expense of those of us who live here.”