22 November 2017

Public session for proposed Ellon masterplan

The Ellon community is to have its first chance to view a proposed masterplan for the development of the town’s former academy sites next week.

The engagement event will highlight potential uses for the vacant sites on Schoolhill Road and Bridge Street where the former Ellon Academy and its annexe used to stand. 

The public session will take place at the Formartine Area Office at 29 Bridge Street next Thursday (Thu, Nov 30), with people welcome to drop in any time between 3pm and 8pm.

Those attending will be able to view images of the proposed site layout, and council officers will be available to answer queries.

The proposed masterplan outlines a mixed-use development, incorporating housing, a health and social care hub, family centre and space for council services.

Cllr Isobel Davidson, chair of the Formartine Area Committee, said: “This is the first chance for the community to see how these prime spaces could be used to provide local services.

“I’d encourage as many people as possible, including representatives of local groups and organisations, to take the chance to ask any questions they may have for the future of the sites.”

Committee vice-chair Iain Taylor added: “While it may be some time before we see any work happening on the ground, establishing a masterplan is the first and most important step to allow us to move forward.

“Public feedback is an important part of making sure we make the best use of this land.”

It is expected the masterplan and feedback from the local community will be brought before the Formartine Area Committee early next year for discussion.

If approved, the document would guide any future development on the sites and would require planning applications to be lodged for each individual part of the development.

Further information on the drop-in session is available from the Formartine Area Office by calling 01358 726404 or by emailing formartine@aberdeenshire.gov.uk