The draft plan shows 'broad intentions' for developments in the Marr Area for the 2008-2012 and contains some Banchory specific plans relating to Banchory Community Facilities:
Community Wellbeing
- Undertake a council wide playing pitch audit and strategy to identify local needs in terms of quality and quantity of sports pitches and ancillary facilities.
- Support the development of a feasibility study for the redevelopment of Banchory Town Hall.
- Multi use games area at Banchory academy – develop the programme for community and work with schools for curricular activities to improve health and fitness of users.
- Continue to support the development of a voluntary resource centre in Banchory.
- Support the Momentum programme in Banchory and Alford which aims to equip young people with the basic knowledge and practical skills they need to become safe drivers.
Jobs and the Economy
- Encourage business development and economic diversification in Marr through implementing the Support for Aberdeenshire Business Scheme.
- Lifelong Learning
- Explore potential sites to replace Banchory Academy.
- Work with the four Community Development Groups in Marr to identify and meet lifelong learning need of communities.
- Review and develop youth information points in line with progressing youth facilities in Banchory, Alford, Huntly and Aboyne.
Sustainable Environment
- Continue access development and preparation of Core Paths Plan in non-Cairngorms National Park Authority of Marr including appropriate consultations in order to create walking opportunities.
- Provide a Development Brief for Park and Ride/Employment/Retail use at East End of Banchory to ensure appropriate development.
- Complete the long distance path between Aberdeen and Ballater & provide associated signage, interpretation and promotion.
- To promote health & wellbeing and a tourist opportunity to enjoy Deeside.
Developing our Partnership
- Support Community Councils and other community organisations in Marr to work up proposals for, and develop, or redevelop, community play, sports, recreation and other community facilities to promote vibrant communities and partnership working.
- Develop and run multi-member ward/community council etc forums to provide opportunities for community engagement in community planning.
- Use the outputs from Local community Planning Group to influence higher level community planning groups. To deal with community issues.
- Identify up to 3 communities per year and support their development of a community plan for their settlement.
Quality Services
- Provide Summer Season Village Orderlies to seven town locations in Marr – including Banchory.
- Identify suitable accommodation to locate Marr Area Development Control Team & Environmental Services staff together with staff from other services requiring office accommodation in Banchory.
A copy of the plan is posted here.
If you have any comments on the plan you can send them direct to Les Allan, Marr Area Manager at Marr Area Office, School Road, Alford, AB33 8TY (email marr@aberdeenshire.gov.uk) or get in touch with Banchory and District Initiative (info@banchory.org) or Banchory Community Council.
The consultation closes on May 7th.