There was a question at Portlethen’s community council on Tuesday about whether the 30mph speed limit on School Brae, Hillside, would be extended westwards as a result of the Stewart Milne development on the former chicken sheds site and the new allotments opposite.

The short answer is yes.

There will be no statutory need for an order as the 30mph limit extends by virtue of the new street lighting.

As previously posted, Stewart Milne Homes will be carrying out major public utility works and a new road alignment with a footway and traffic calming measures. As street lighting is also to be installed the speed limit will be relocated to the western end of this site.

The work is due to start on Monday 29 March, when the road will be closed for nine weeks for safely reasons.

This will allow the contractor full access to the site to allow the work to be carried out in a safe manner, as there is insufficient safe width to permit vehicular traffic through the site during these operations.

These extensive civil engineering works comprise the diversion and new installation of public utility services involving deep excavations in the road, new street lighting installation, the realignment of a new traffic calmed road, and a relocation of the 30mph speed limit.

However, on discussion with the contractor, pedestrian access will be required and provided through the site at all times.

The contractor is not permitted to work on Sundays, unless they receive an exemption from Environmental Health for Aberdeenshire Council. They are also not expected to be working on public holidays within this construction period (Good Friday, Easter Monday, and May Day).