Worries over housing plans near old wood

Aleading conservation group has objected to plans by Aberdeenshire Council to build 40 affordable homes on the site of a former school.

Woodland Trust Scotland argues the plan for the land once occupied by Ellon Academy will harm ancient woodland.

It says an influx of people to the area could have an impact on wildlife and lead to illegal dumping.

The council is looking to build houses and flats on the site as part of a larger project to develop it for the local use.

The 40 homes proposed would be rented social housing.

Also included in the council’s masterplan for the old academy land and surroundings are a health centre and office and community facilities.

The proposed homes lie near Caroline’s Well Wood, which a planning document describes as a “key green space asset to the town”.

T he Woodland Trust Scotland has lodged an objection to the council’s plans over fears they could be harmful to that woodland.

In a letter to the council, the trust notes: “T his application is for the redevelopment of a demolished school site to a housing development, with close proximity to ancient woodland.

“A s such, we are concerned about the intensification of the recreational activity of

humans and their pets, which can result in disturbance to breeding birds, vegetation damage, trampling, litter and fire damage.”

“In addition, where gardens abut woodland or the site is readily accessible to nearby housing, it gives the opportunity for garden waste to be dumped in woodland and for adjacent

landowners to extend garden areas into the woodland.

“It can also create pressure to fell boundary trees because of shade and leaf fall and interference with TV reception.”

A number of Ellon residents have also objected to the plans, with some arguing there is no need for more housing in the town

and others that the site should be used for the benefit of young people.

In total, 15% of the homes will be designed for those with accessibility issues.

The development would have 18 one-bed flats, six two-bed flats, 12 three-bed houses and four four-bed houses.

The proposals will be considered at a later date.

AMBITIOUS: A CGI of controversial plans for 40 homes on the old Ellon Academy site.