Cairnlee Senior Co-housing Aberdeen, which has been created to address the needs of an ageing co-worker population, wants to construct 20 new co-living apartments to be used by Camphill Schools Aberdeen senior staff members. The proposal would see eight two-bedroom and 12 one-bedroom flats built over three storeys.

Scottish Construction Now reported in March this year, that the proposed plans by Taylor Architecture would see Whithorn and Caranoc, two connected buildings on the Cairnlee Road site, demolished. The buildings had previously been used as residential accommodation for workers.

Camphill School is an independent charity based in Aberdeen that supports children and young people – many with additional support needs.

The plan obtained five objections from neighbours living nearby. Resident Steve McHattie attended the meeting to raise his concerns. He said people in the area “greatly admire” the charity for the work they do but believe the proposed building would “dominate” the site and surrounding area.

Iain Riddoch added there would be a “high likelihood” of access to residents’ homes being at risk during demolition and construction, Aberdeen Live reports.

He also voiced concerns that increased traffic on Cairnlee Road could cause an accident in the future. Mr Riddoch told the committee that there had been a “number of near misses” between vehicles exiting the proposed site and those driving up Cairnlee Road.

He added: “Cairnlee Road itself is masked by the belt of trees and a stone wall so the cars can’t see what’s coming. The number of times somebody has just shot straight out in front of a car is quite frightening.”

Nevertheless, despite the concerns highlighted, Aberdeen councillors unanimously approved the plan and asked for extra screening to be put in place along Baillieswells Road.
Councillors also asked for assurance that Cairnlee Road would not be closed during construction.