Building Briefs – April 12th

Sepa objects to £68m Rubislaw Quarry plans

An environmental body has objected to multi-million-pound housing plans at Aberdeen’s Rubislaw Quarry – while residents have raised concerns for the future of badgers on the site.

Canadian firm Carttera is aiming to invest £68 million to create 299 flats, a gym for residents and a combined bistro and “mini-museum”.

However the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has formally objected to the plans – saying not enough information has been provided on water flow.

And local reports have revealed that a heated meeting of Queens Cross and Harlaw Community Council also heard from concerned residents over the potential effects on wildlife.

Secretary Ken Hutchison said: “Both badgers and their setts are protected. This obviously is an important consideration which the planning department need to quickly.”

A Carttera spokesman said: “Sepa have put in a holding objection until further information can be provided but as there was no objection to the previous large office consent we are confident their queries will be satisfied.”

Springfield staff raise money for CLAN

The Elgin office of housebuilder, Springfield Properties, has raised more than £520 for Scottish charity CLAN Cancer Support.

Springfield’s Elgin-based employees hosted bake sales, participated in dress down days and organised bonus ball raffles throughout 2017 to raise money for cancer charity, CLAN.

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity, working across the North East of Scotland, which provides wellbeing and practical support for anyone, of any age, affected by cancer. It provides a range of free services, including emotional support, counselling, wig styling, massages, accommodation and travel.

Springfield Properties’ HR admin assistant, Sarah Cantlay, said: “It’s really great to support local charities at work. The office fundraisers are always fun and staff get so involved. It creates a brilliant atmosphere in the work place and helps a good cause.

“Cancer affects tens-of-thousands of people across Scotland every year. CLAN offers a whole range of services to support those affected by the disease in Scotland. Each year the charity is committed to raising £2million, and we’re really pleased to be able to contribute to the Elgin branch”.”

The Aberdeen-based charity covers North-East Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Buckie, Crimond, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick with Forres opening in early April.

CLAN Cancer Support area manager, Tracy Sellar, said: “On behalf of everyone at CLAN Cancer Support, I would like to thank Springfield Properties for the support and generous donation.

“Support from individuals and organisations like Springfield Properties helps to ensure that CLAN can be there for people affected by cancer, right in the heart of their own communities. It is also crucial in continuing to raise awareness of the vital support and information services we provide.”