I WAS recently in a Glasgow cab. The obligatory conversation ensued, “Where you from, pal?” Against my better judgement I told the truth, “Aberdeen”. “Oh, Disneyland, then?” Much against my better judgement, I sought clarification. “You disnae want anything. You disnae want a bypass, you disnae want a new exhibition centre, you disnae want Ian Wood’s money.”
He had a point and it looks as if another attraction may be added to the north-east Disnaeland. Aberdeen FC’s bid to move to an out of town location is in danger of falling foul of a well organised defensive wall.
While the preferred site lies within Aberdeen City it adjoins the largely well-heeled community of Westhill, in neighbouring Aberdeenshire. The articulate opposition to the proposed stadium illustrates vividly how well-to-do communities exploit the political and planning processes to their own benefit. This is in stark contrast to the experiences of the less affluent, in areas such as Torry in the east end of Aberdeen.
For around 16 years Torry residents had to tolerate the “Torry Pong” arising from a nearby waste water treatment plant. The smell was all-pervasive, especially in warm weather. Residents kept their windows closed and many reported the smell lingering in their nostrils for days. There were reports of local primary school children becoming unwell due to the persistent stench. Complaints to politicians and the plant’s operators largely fell on deaf ears.
There have been belated efforts to address “the pong”. Any relief, however, is likely to be short-lived. There are plans to build a £120million incinerator in the area to deal with waste generated within the Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray Council areas. Local community groups have described the development as “insane”. Inevitably, they have been encouraged to play “a full part” in the consultation process. Given the council’s record on heeding consultation outcomes, local residents won’t be holding their breath, unless of course the “Torry Pong” is particularly strong at the time.
The proposed incinerator presumably will deal with waste created by the citizens of Westhill, cushioned by their green belt. I may have missed it, but I haven’t seen any support from Westhill for the beleaguered residents of Torry.
So, here’s an idea for community groups in both areas. How about a swap? Build the Dons’ new stadium in Torry and locate the incinerator and waste water facility in Westhill.
Opponents of the proposed stadium are particularly exercised by parking, traffic management, light pollution and noise on match days. An incinerator in Westhill is unlikely to cause any of those problems, although admittedly, there could be a couple of other irritations. Problem solved, or am I missing something?
Aberdeen City Council will consider the football club’s planning application in early June. Certainly, there are planning issues to be resolved but the process must be fair and transparent. The better off, the organised and the articulate cannot be allowed to skew the process. Aberdonians will be watching, especially in Torry.
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