More information about the planned destruction of the SSSI and planning laws
The total site is just over 1400 acres with about three miles of coastline. The northern end of the site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is so because of the mobile dune system that is almost 4000 years old. The sand is continually moving and is replenished from the south as the sand is carried north from the Balmedie Local Nature reserve, through Menie and up to the National Nature Reserve at Forvie Sands. No one really knows what will happen if the constant flow of sand stops and what detrimental effects it will have on this internationally protected site.
The plans include 500 houses (that could not even be fitted onto the site on a scale model that was produced) four, eight storey high, tower blocks of almost one thousand flats, thirty six golf villas, a four hundred and fifty bedroom hotel, a four hundred unit accommodation block and the usual spread of buildings need by a golf course and, of course, two golf courses.
Many other developers and private individuals have had plans rejected for developments in this area, ranging from single houses to small groups of up to forty four houses. Suddenly the rule book appears to be thrown out and the long term plans such as the regional plan, the local plan and even national guidance is being ignored so that the local authority can approve this destructive and damaging housing development.
Two other golf course developments are ongoing in the area at this time. They are the Paul Lawrie sponsored development at Blairs and the Jack Nicklaus sponsored one at Ury by Stonehaven. Both of these developments have gone through the normal processes of compromise and negotiation to come to what appears to be a mutually agreeable proposal. Why should this one be any different? If this is allowed to go ahead in this manner the local authorities all over Scotland have lost control of the planning of land use and every SSSI in t he UK would be 'fair game' for the developers.
Even worse, Scotland could become the dumping ground of the world for bad developments, every developer who wanted outstanding scenery and a 'favourable' planning environment in which to build non sustainable developments for a 'quick buck' with no real benefit to the majority of the local community, would be welcomed with open arms.
