The plans were approved despite councillors raising concerns about the pressure this large development would have on local schools and doctors. 

The Crichie development to the west of Port Elphinstone has been on the way since 2012. However, developers Dandara Homes can move forward with the plans.
Planning permission in principle was granted in 2018 for 737 homes, land for a business park and transport upgrades. But since then, the proposals have expanded to include a new primary school and sports pitches. The number of homes has also increased to around 900.

The development could also include a “park and choose” facility, which is like a park and ride – but encourages the use of other eco-friendly transport options like electric bikes.

The development will comprise of a mixture of three to five bedroom homes with 25% of these being affordable housing.

One major concern highlighted by councillors is the strain it could put on the GPs in the town. Inverurie and District councillor David Keating wsaid: “It’s a huge concern for our constituents.” He said that money would be put into local amenities as a result of deals with developers, but this would not help with GP recruitment woes.

He said: “I don’t think more money for a building gets us more doctors.”

Councillors are not allowed to deny permission on the basis of there not being enough doctors to cope with the influx of residents.  He continued: “It’s really disempowering for us as elected members to not be able to take account for this. What I’m hearing is that we have a real live concern, but there is no way we can bring these concerns in to influence our decision.”

Despite officers sharing these frustrations, they reiterated that NHS Grampian had raised no objections, and that it was out of their hands, the Press and Journal reports.

Another concern by councillors was the effect on the nearby Port Elphinstone Primary School.

Under the masterplan, land has been allocated for a new primary school. However, it is up to the council to build a new school for the development. Councillors revealed that there are no plans for this in the near future, with confidence being put in the most recent school roll forecasts.

The council’s schools boss, Rachael Golding, said: “We need to make use of our existing estate fully before we add to it with additional schools or extensions. Because there is capacity at Port Elphinstone school, we are confident that the first phase can be completely accommodated at the school.

“Until we actually see the development building out and the number of pupils there, then it wouldn’t be appropriate to put a primary school into the capital plan at this stage.” She also revealed that Port Elphinstone Primary would not be over capacity until 2029, according to the most recent data.

Nevertheless, councillors voted to approve the masterplan seven votes to five.