Echt is located within a “local growth and diversification area”, which the Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2020 identifies as being appropriate for a level of growth related to local needs and encouraging sustainable mixed communities.
In accordance with this recognised need, Site OP1 is a new residential allocation of 25 homes included by Aberdeenshire Council within the Proposed Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan (PLDP). It should be noted that there were two other sites submitted at the LDP bid stage although responses received to the Main Issues Report (MIR) 2019 indicated a preference for the allocation of this site in preference to the other options.
In addition to the OP1 allocation of 25 new homes, including 25% affordable homes, the PLDP includes an adjacent area of protected land (P2) to the northeast of the site, which is at risk from flooding. The PLDP requires this area to be enhanced and to include a buffer strip to ensure any risk of flooding is minimised. This area has been included and extended within the layout proposals and will contribute towards open space requirements within the village. The PLDP is currently the subject of Examination and the Reporters are expected to submit their findings to Aberdeenshire Council in Spring 2022. Upon receipt, it is anticipated that the Council will look to timeously adopt the plan.
