Waulkmill Grove Redevelopment
Waulkmill Grove Concept Redevelopment Options
Friday 18 March - Monday 2 May 2016
On 23 February, the Council’s Planning & Regulatory Services Committee confirmed the revocation of the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) at Waulkmill Grove. The TPO covered the rectangular area of open space at Waulkmill Grove and the area of land where the existing playpark is currently located. The Committee also agreed to a 6 week public consultation period to explore potential improvements that could be made to Waulkmill Grove.
In conjunction with Springfield Properties and the Council’s Lands and Parks department, two potential concept redevelopment options are being proposed. These can be viewed here.
The proposals seek to address long standing problems currently affecting residents and provide new and improved areas of open space. As part of the proposal and in order to facilitate these improvements, a low density residential development is being proposed in the area of land containing the existing playpark.
This is not a planning application. The consultation period provides the opportunity to respond to the Council raising any issues/comments regarding these concept redevelopment options. Comments from the consultation can then be fed into future discussions as the proposals are developed further.
Two concept plans and a 3D image have been provided that show how both areas could be redeveloped. A plan showing the locations of existing playparks within the locality and sites for compensatory planting are also provided.
The key elements of the proposals are;
- Clearfell the Scots Pine and replant with more native species that are suitable for this location. This will increase levels of daylight into properties and reduce the risk of damage from falling branches. The felling of trees will be timed to avoid the breeding bird season.
Low density residential development backing onto existing properties at Barlink Road. Properties would overlook a new area of open space and the existing garage area increasing natural surveillance.
Two options have been suggested for the rectangular area of open space at Waulkmill Grove. The first option shows the introduction of a hard landscaped area with the possibility of introducing seating. The second option shows the relocation of the playpark into the centre of this area. This would benefit from good natural surveillance which the existing playpark currently lacks. Both options would provide paths across the site which would be lined with smaller species of trees, with avenue tree planting along Reiket Lane. The ground would be contoured to match the existing form.
While one proposed option will see the removal of the playpark, there are two existing playparks within the immediate vicinity of Waulkmill Grove located at McBeath Avenue and Reynolds Crescent. Compensatory planting will be sought for the enhancement and improvement of two of these existing parks.
The remaining areas of open space would be protected from further development and would retain their Environmental status in the Moray Local development Plan 2015.
What issues are relevant for consideration?
Issues that are taken account of (known as material considerations) when promoting sites for development are listed below;
1. Impact on the character and appearance of the area
2. Traffic, parking, or access issues
3. Impact on amenity (noise, privacy, overshadowing)
4. Design and Layout
This is not an exhaustive list however it provides examples of pertinent issues to be included within responses. Loss of views, impact on property values, and landownership are not material considerations in planning and will not be taken into account when assessing a development proposal.
What will happen to my comments?
Comments received on time will be acknowledged and reported to the Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Committee on 14 June 2016. Your comments and the Councils response/recommendation will be detailed within a report that will be submitted for consideration
Comments can be submitted via email to localdevelopmentplan@moray.gov.uk and in writing to The Moray Council, Local Development Plan, Development Services, PO Box 6760, Elgin IV30 9BX
The consultation runs from 18 March to 2 May, all representations must be received by 5pm on Monday 2 May.