Plans for new c-store in Elrick approved

An application for a convenience store and six new homes in Elrick has been approved.

The proposal was considered at a virtual meeting of the Garioch Area Committee on Tuesday, September 15.

The development will include a mix of three, four and five bedroom homes and a single-storey store with a 14-space car park on land adjacent to Broadstraik Road and Strawberryfield Road.

The store is expected to be developed by the Co-op.

Access to the site will be from Broadstraik Road for both the homes and shop.

A number of planning applications had previously been submitted for development of the site including a proposal for eight homes and a convenience store which was withdrawn prior to this application.

The plan received eight objections from local residents raising concerns about issues including increase in traffic, noise pollution and antisocial behaviour.

Westhill & Elrick Community Council supported the application but had concerns about pedestrian and cyclist access.

Despite the concerns raised by objectors Aberdeenshire Council recommended that the plan be approved.

Voicing her concerns at the meeting, councillor Lesley Berry said the site plan looked “odd and out of place” and added: “I just don’t know if that’s the right place for a retail shop. It’s not the houses I’m objecting to it’s the retail unit, it’s just not a good fit for me.”

However, speaking in support of the application, councillor Martin Ford said: “I think we will look odd to refuse this, this is a lucky break for us and will provide a facility that will I’m sure be appreciated by residents of the west end of Westhill. We have a good reason for a minor departure from policy and we should say yes to it.”

Following discussion the matter was taken to a vote with a motion to agree the planning permission with a delegated grant and an amendment to refuse the application.

The motion received seven votes to five for the amendment. There was also one no vote.