The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Homes in £70m proposal would solely be for rental
Development: City planners recommending approval of quarry project
The Canadian developer behind plans for hundreds of homes overlooking one of Aberdeen’s most historically important sites has revealed they will be built exclusively for the rental market.
Carttera’s proposals for 245 flats on the north side of Rubislaw Quarry have been recommended for approval by city planners.
Councillors will vote on the planning application for the £70 million development – which at its tallest will stand nine storeys high – on Monday.
Now, the developer has announced the planned one, two and threebedroom apartments, if approved, will be operated under the private rental sector scheme (PRS).
There is only one largescale PRS development in Aberdeen, at Forbes Place in Stoneywood.
PRS homes offer secure rent opportunities to firsttime buyers struggling to get on the property ladder.
But while the Rubislaw View plans are backed by council officers, more than 425 members of the public have submitted letters of objection to the plans for the edge of the quarry that earned Aberdeen its Granite City moniker.
The detailed proposals include a residents-only gym, function room, public bistro and promenade above the quarry, allowing views last seen by the public 40 years ago.
Carttera has agreed to contribute more than £3.3m to pay for affordable housing and another £257,000 to improve local services.
These latest plans are scaled back from a 2018 application to build nearly 300 flats – which councillors rejected despite a recommendation to approve from planning officials.
The revisions have been informed by Aurora Planning, a firm headed by former council planning chief Maggie Bochel.
Founding partner Jim Tadeson said: “We are glad to see that Aberdeen planning has recognised the significant steps we have taken to address concerns raised with our prior proposal.
“We are confident that we have successfully addressed these issues with this new proposal, having reduced the scale of the project by almost 20% with 54 fewer flats, reduced the height and massing, and respected all legislative,
Scottish national policy and guidance, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s strategic plans, and local requirements.
“The project will provide the public with unfettered access and views to the quarry for the first time in over 40 years, with a public walkway running the length of the site, together with a bistro displaying heritage artefacts and images from the quarry operation
“We believe we have listened and been responsive to the requirements and concerns of the community, and hope that our proposed investment in the local Aberdeen economy of over £65m will, now more than ever, be something that is of interest to Aberdonians,” he added.