North Kincardine Rural Community Council devoted most of the meeting tonight to two issues – the disruption caused by the building of the Aberdeen bypass and planning applications, in particular the Snoozebox proposals for 76 accommodation modules in the car park of the Old Mill Inn.
Representative of the bypass team are expected to attend the next meeting of the community council on 18 January. Officers from Aberdeenshire Council are also being asked to attend to discuss the impact on local roads. The meeting heard complaints about driving standards, “No Works Traffic” signs being ignored, and verges being destroyed.
The meeting also heard about the action being taken by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to tackle mud and silt being washed off the construction site in into the Dee and its tributaries. Ponds are now being dug to intercept the wash-off. One of the concerns is for the rare fresh water mussels in the Dee.
The community council is to await the publication of a transport assessment if the Snoozebox plans were to go ahead. The were mixed views at the meeting.
The meeting also heard good news. The transfer of ownership of the Maryculter woods from the Forestry Commission to the local community should take place on 23 December. An official opening is planned for the last Saturday in March.
As the meeting came to a close one of the 11 members of the public told community councillors that broadband should be available in April 2016. However he was sceptical, having heard similar promises in the past.