Project Title: Imagine Ellon

Description: The Imagine Ellon project is the focus of this activity and serves as a model of Public consultation and engagement. High priority given to developing sustainable solutions.

Imagine Ellon explores the implications of continuing growth of Ellon, beyond the current Local Plan, by considering how to accommodate the expansion of Ellon’s housing stock by a hypothetical 50% from 2011 onwards (however long its takes for this growth to occur). 

Objectives:

The purpose of the study is to establish for Ellon, in the light of a long-term review of its potential for growth:

• A long-term framework for the critical land uses and distribution systems;
• An outline of the most sustainable framework for the critical land uses;
• An outline of the most sustainable framework for the critical distribution networks (transport, water, water etc.);
• Recommend thresholds or stages of development (including alternatives, if appropriate) leading towards the long-term framework; and
• An action plan, as necessary, to achieve the above.

Process/Stages:

A draft study was prepared, having established the hypothetical population, under the following assessment headings:

Key Land Requirements – Housing

-         Employment

-         Retail

-         Public Open Space and recreation

-         Schools and medical facilities

Key Network requirements – Transport

                                             -Fresh and waster water

-         Heating and Power

Identifying opportunities within the settlement e.g brownfield development

Identifying key thresholds and constraint and how they can be overcome

As a result of this assessment sites were identified for housing, employment, community uses, and open space and assessed using a scoring system.  The scoring system assessed each site against proximity to local services, proximity to the town centre, proximity to schools, proximity to public transport and main transport networks, to name a few.  The most favourable sites were identified. 

In the preparation of the draft study a number consultations were made both internally within the Council (e.g. Roads, Development Control, Landscape officer, education, archaeology etc) and external (Scottish Water, SEPA, NHS, NESBReC)

After preparing a draft study, it was approved by the Council’s Infrastructure and Services Committee to be put in the public domain for consultation.  The public consultation process included:

• A public meeting

• A stall at the Ellon gala day, where a planner was available to answer questions.
• Copies placed in the Local Library and Academy
• Copies available in Planning offices
• A copy posted on the Council’s Website

The Council received a number of comments as the result of the public consultation process, both supporting and objecting to the content of the study.  These comments are currently being assessed. 

Outcomes/Results: Ongoing

Learning Points: On going

Contact Information:

Laura Dingwall 01224 664402 or James Wheater 01224 664267 or