Concerns over stretched classrooms and dangerous roads have been expressed during discussion of a planned housing development north of Angus.
Angus councillors met to discuss a response to the 300-house “Newesk” development in Edzell Woods, on the site of the former RAF Edzell.
As a consultee to Aberdeenshire Council, no local authority objection has been lodged to the additional housing but comments have been added by councillors.
Head of planning and transport, George Chree, said concerns had previously been expressed because of the number of people from Angus who use the road servicing the area.
However, Transport Scotland was “content” with the addition of a deceleration lane at the Northwater Bridge’s junction with the A90.
The project’s scale has since been reduced from 1,000 houses, and yesterday’s report to councillors considered the implications of that reduction on a new response.
A stretch of Aberdeenshire from the south of Drumlithie to Laurencekirk has been earmarked for 1,000 new houses before 2030 not including Edzell Woods.
Councillor Bill Duff said there has been continued coverage of perceived dangers caused by the junction on the A90 at Laurencekirk, in tandem with development already planned for the town.
He asked council officers: “I assume these houses won’t impact on the Laurencekirk A90 junction?”
Mr Chree said there would be no immediate impact from the Edzell Woods development as the main junction used would be at the A90 (T)/Northwater Bridge.
However, he said the area’s transport needs are being watched by the Scottish Government and its partner agencies, as evidenced by committee meetings held at the Scottish Parliament.
“Last Wednesday I gave evidence to the infrastructure and finance committee at Holyrood about concerns on the A90 at Laurencekirk,” he said.
“I took the line that we have concerns over the existing junction. About 4,500 vehicles go north from Montrose every day and we think there is a case for an upgraded junction or flyover now.
“I think we were given a fair hearing, but it remains to be seen what direction the committee will take, as their powers are only of recommendation.”
The report of the strategic director for communities, Alan McKeown, states: “The committee should note that Transport Scotland has made no comment/requirement for improvement works to the A90 (T) junctions at Laurencekirk.”
Councillor Mairi Evan asked whether the catchment area of Edzell Primary School would be affected, to which convener Rob Murray said the council would only have to handle placement requests.
Councillor Alex King said the increased number of families in the area would undoubtedly affect schools and “places like Mearns Academy will not be able to handle that many extra children”.
As for the additional traffic, he added: “I am more than concerned Traffic Scotland are happy with minor changes at Northwater Bridge, which is a darn sight more dangerous than the junction at Laurencekirk.
“From Dundee to Stracathro, every major road has a flyover or upgraded junction. Between Brechin and Aberdeen, there is only one at Portlethen.
“This should be factored into our response.”
Mr Chree said it is possible to “re-emphasise” concerns about increased traffic and educational pressures to Aberdeenshire Council, while not objecting as consultees.
Around 100 people met at Mearns Academy in August to hear Carnegie Base Services’ plans. The family-owned business, originally planned for a £250 million community on the site of the former base, which was to be carried out in six phases over a 15 to 20-year period.
Mr McKeown’s report to council concludes the reduced application “no longer raises significant strategic cross-boundary planning issues for Angus Council”.