UPDATE: A controversial proposal to demolish the vacant Peregrine House in Westhill and construct 45 new affordable homes has been rejected by local councillors in a decisive vote today. The plan, put forward by Bancon Construction and The Lombard Merton Trust, was deemed inappropriate due to concerns over noise and location, leaving the community to grapple with housing shortages.
The three-storey building at Westhill Industrial Estate has remained empty since the Stewart Milne Group went bust in January 2024. Developers aimed to transform the site with a mix of one to five-bedroom properties, ranging from flats to townhouses, designed to accommodate families. However, the Garioch area committee voted 11 to 2 against the plan, citing significant objections from local residents and environmental health concerns.
Residents expressed fears that the new housing would be too close to surrounding businesses, particularly the busy Westhill Garage. Councillor Iris Walker voiced her concerns, questioning, “Who would want to live in the middle of an industrial estate?” She highlighted the impracticality of advising future residents to keep their windows closed to mitigate noise, a sentiment echoed by Councillor Jim Gifford, who deemed the suggestion “frankly absurd.”
The proposed development included 80 car parking spaces, along with facilities for bicycles and waste disposal. Despite the developer’s claims that it would cater to local demand and include four wheelchair-accessible homes, councillors remained unconvinced. They cited potential traffic congestion and the capacity of local schools and health services to support an influx of new residents as additional concerns.
Authorities had previously recommended approval of the housing project, arguing it would help address the housing emergency declared by the Scottish Government last year. However, opposition from local councillors and residents proved too strong to overcome.
As the debate unfolded, councillors raised critical questions about the long-term implications of placing residential units next to an industrial site. Councillor Marion Ewenson warned that residents could feel “marooned” in an industrial environment, while others emphasized the need for adequate living conditions.
This latest decision underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing housing shortages in the region while balancing community concerns about noise and quality of life. As Westhill continues to face these pressing issues, residents and officials alike are left to ponder the next steps in finding viable solutions for affordable housing.
The refusal of this plan marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about development in Westhill, leaving many to wonder what alternative proposals might emerge in the future. With the housing crisis continuing to escalate, the need for thoughtful planning and community engagement has never been more urgent.
