What you told us - What we're doing

We asked

Aberdeenshire Council asked the community of Braemar for their feedback on a concept design to improve the village centre for people walking, wheeling and cycling. The projects aims to make it easier and safer for people to get around Braemar while also creating a more pleasant environment.

Residents were given the opportunity to provide feedback at a community drop-in event hosted by Cairngorm National Park Authority on 1^st May in the Village Hall. An online survey was open for public feedback from 24^th April to 16^th May 2024. We asked about support for the proposals, feedback on specific interventions and thoughts on tackling congestion and problem parking.

You said

Support for the proposals was split, however we found that those who disagreed had done so on the belief that the current proposals would not be effective without yellow lines rather than disagreement with the whole concept. There was a lot of support for improving footways for people walking and wheeling and a general agreement that traffic calming measures to lower traffic speed was required. However, several people expressed concern with the proposed chicane as a traffic control measure. Lowering the speed limit throughout the village was a common suggestion.

Tackling problem parking was a key theme. The residents identified the Fife Arms Hotel and the bridge as particular problem areas. Concerns were raised about the proposed bus stop at the Mews due to congestion in this area. Locals identified the need for a safe crossing across the A93 to the Primary School and suggested extending the pavement in the village along the Linn of Dee road to provide access to wider walking routes.

We will

As a result of the engagement, we will incorporate the following changes into the next stage of project development:

• A new zebra crossing across the A93. We will explore possibility of widening the current footway from the corner up to the new crossing point to improve route to school.
• Remove proposed bus stop from outside the front of the Mews.
• Remove existing bus stops from outside the Co-op and Kindrochit Crescent.
• Create new bus stop closer to A93 along Invercauld Rd. This would mean there would be one bus stop at A93 end and the existing bus stop at the roundabout.
• Proposed traffic calming chicane positioned outside Village Hall to be removed.
• This chicane is to be replaced with a proposed speed table to aid pedestrian access to the Village Hall.
• The proposed footway widening into Fife Brae at the shop has been removed to ensure lorries can still reverse into this area to serve the shop.

We will proceed with plans to narrow the roads to allow the creation of wider footpaths and will explore the option of adding double yellow lines to prevent problem parking along Invercauld Road/ Mar Road. In addition to this we will explore options to extend footways out to Linn of Dee Road to join into the River Dee Walk. We will also explore the option of an additional footpath through the forest which would link the showground carpark to Kindrochit Crescent. At this stage, the proposal is still a concept and is subject to further consultation, design development and permissions.

We Asked

We conducted a survey to evaluate the performance of our 2024 Employability & Financial Inclusion Conference which took place on 11 October and to gather suggestions for future improvements.

You Said

The survey received 12 responses, and the results indicated that attendees found the workshops to be the most useful part of the event, while the marketplace was considered the least useful. Additionally, feedback suggested that holding more than 1 conference per year would be more beneficial.

We Will

Based on your feedback, we will focus on enhancing the workshop offerings in future conferences and re-evaluate the format and content of the marketplace. We will also review the frequency of our conferences and assess whether holding more events per year would provide additional benefits.

We Asked

In respect of a forthcoming application for a Marine Licence associated with the Installation of scour protection measures at Banff Bridge, a Pre-Application Consultation was held.

You Said

The online consultation received 3 responses and the in-person event held in Banff received 3 responses. The main feedback received was concern for protecting the bridge for future use. Environmental concerns were also raised and the need to factor in flood events.

We Will

Following the pre-application consultation, the Marine Licence application has now been submitted.

We asked

The Fraserburgh South Park Peak Time Road Closure Project was running as a trial from May 2023 to May 2024. This project limits traffic on Philorth Avenue and St Modans Place during peak times of the day to reduce congestion around Fraserburgh South Park Primary. During this time we asked for you opinion on the scheme and whether you felt the scheme met the aims of increasing safety for pupils and families around Fraserburgh South Park School.

You Said

Along with these results, parking surveys, traffic surveys, interviews with the school, and wider perception surveys took place to gather as much opinions and data as possible to determine the impact the project has had and to help form a decision on whether this scheme should be made permanent. Summary of the key findings:

82 people responded to the ongoing opinion survey. 54% agreed the scheme met their aims of improving safety. 33% disagreed and 10% were neutral.

• Comments left were in relation to concerns that people were not obeying the signs and concerns of increased parking on neighbouring streets.
• 197 people responded to the perception survey. 82% of respondents said they would support the scheme being made permanent
• Traffic counts on affected streets - AM 55% decrease, PM 40% decrease
• Traffic counts on neighbouring streets - AM 26% increase, PM 44% increase
• Active travel to school, increased by 10.6% (2022 - 56.4%, 2023 – 67%)

All of these results were taken to Banff and Buchan area committee on 20^th August 2024 where it was approved that this scheme could be made permanent following statutory and public consultation on the traffic order regulation of the signs. The full report and paper can be read here item 8 - Agenda for Banff and Buchan Area Committee on Tuesday, 20th August, 2024, 9.30 am - Aberdeenshire Council

We Will

At present the statutory and public consultation is taking place in relation to the Traffic Order Regulation on the signage for this scheme. If any objections are raised this scheme will need to refer back to Banff and Buchan Area Committee for discussion. If no objections are reached, this scheme will be made permanent.

Support is still being provided to the scheme to encourage appropriate and legal parking around the school. Support from Police support and community wardens is being provided to enforce this scheme. This will be made available as and when required.

We asked

Aberdeenshire Council has commissioned transport consultants to develop options for an active travel route between Inverurie and Oldmeldrum. Earlier this summer, we carried out a survey to identify any key problems and opportunities faced by people who travel in the area. This engagement exercise set out to establish the key priorities for any proposed active travel route connecting Inverurie and Oldmeldrum. Upon closing of the survey, all responses were analysed to identify common themes of barriers and challenges to active travel participation in the area.

You said

The survey was available to all members of the public but was targeted to those who live, visit, work or travel within the area. Approximately 640 responses were received with 90% of those coming from AB51 postcode which covers Inverurie, Kemnay, Kintore, and Oldmeldrum. The survey achieved responses from a broad range of age groups broadly representative of the area, while the sample skewed slightly towards women (60%). 80% of respondents are employed (either full-time, part-time or self-employed) and 15% are retired.

To establish existing cycling levels in the study area, respondents were asked how often they travel by bicycle during a typical week. Over half of the respondents (54%) do not travel by bike at all and only 3% of respondents travel by bike every day. Approximately 37% of respondents travel by bike at least once a week.

The main reasons cited for those that do not cycle was because they feel the roads are not safe for cycling, specifically the B9170 connecting Inverurie and Oldmeldrum where there was a significant safety concern (43%) and that there is lack of traffic free routes (32%). Only 11% responded that they don’t like cycling.

When asked what could encourage people to walk or wheel more often, the majority of respondents (37%) indicated improved infrastructure (for example better footways and paths). Other notable proportions were more information about routes and paths (14%), wider path/smoother surface (13%) and more safe places to cross the roads (12%).

Respondents were asked to identify the key priorities that must be considered for a high-quality active travel link between Inverurie and Oldmeldrum. Most of them (81%) indicated that the link must be safe, traffic free, direct and accessible. When asked if they would consider walking, wheeling or cycling for work or leisure if high-quality infrastructure was in place, 77% responded that they would.

Finally, respondents were asked to provide any additional comments with regards to the study. 35% highlighted their support for the creation of a safe traffic free route to walk or cycle between Inverurie and Oldmeldrum. An additional 15% of respondents provided suggestions for the new route with a quarter of them indicating the disused railway line and a few other noting that the route should be connecting to Daviot. 40% of respondents had nothing further to add

We will

We are now gathering feedback from local path groups including the Meldrum Paths Group and Zero Carbon Daviot on the appraisal of options for suggested routes. The final Options Appraisal report is due at the end of November.

We asked

During summer 2024 we asked people to provide their views on Aberdeenshire Council’s Local Housing Strategy for 2024 to 2029. We asked people to provide feedback on the proposed priorities for the housing service over the period of the strategy. Participants were also asked to consider the actions we had identified to meet these priorities, whether they agreed with these and provide comments on anything that could be incorporated.

You said

There were 47 responses to the survey. The feedback has been collated and a consultation report has been written to demonstrate the engagement and comments received during this period. A copy of the report can be found here: Local Housing Strategy 2024-2029 - Consultation Report . The report also demonstrates where changes were made to the draft Local Housing Strategy as a result of the feedback we received.

We Will

Based on the feedback we received, the housing service will ensure that action plans remain relevant and current to the current environment. These will be monitored annually by the Communities Committee to ensure the key priorities are being met. Where services and policies are reviewed, engagement with service users and stakeholders will be a key aspect of this process.

We asked

The wooden trail within Old Rayne play area needs to be replaced. We asked the local community about the type of equipment they would like to see.

You said

The survey gathered 87 responses. Popular choices for equipment included an aerial cableway, a climbing unit and if the budget allows it, a replacement for the wooden trail. The responses were in favour of equipment suitable for all age groups. Overall, we received positive feedback to the proposal to make improvements to the play park.

We will

The project to replace the existing wooden trail with equipment aimed at a broad age range of children will proceed. Your feedback will be used when considering the type of play equipment to install at the site.

We asked

The Multi-play unit at Gordon Park play area in Rothienorman is in need of upgrading. We asked the local community about the type of equipment they would like to see.

You said

The survey gathered 162 responses. The most popular activities are sliding, climbing, swinging and balancing. The responses were also in favour of equipment suitable for both the early years and junior age group. Overall, we received positive feedback to the proposal to replace the Multi-play Unit and making improvements to the play park.

We will

The project to replace the existing Multi-play Unit will proceed and your feedback has helped us consider what type of play activities to incorporate into the equipment. We will replace the Multi-play Unit with a modern, high play value unit aimed at a broad age range of children.

We asked

The play park at Westbrae Crescent in Turriff is in need of upgrading. We asked the local community about the type of equipment they would like to see.

You said

The survey gathered 169 responses. The most popular equipment was a multi play unit, a climber and group swing. Most people were in favour of equipment suitable for both the early years and junior age group. Overall, we received positive feedback to the proposal to make improvements to the play park.

We will

The project to replace several end-of-life units will proceed, with modern, high play, value units that cover a broad age range of children. The chosen units will be shaped by your feedback.

We Asked

The Strategic Housing Investment Plan, or SHIP, outlines the potential affordable housing investment programme over the period 2025-2030 across Aberdeenshire. The main outcome of the SHIP is to enable the delivery of high quality, energy efficient affordable housing.

In summer 2024 people were asked to provide their views and feedback on Aberdeenshire Council’s SHIP 2025-2030. Survey participants were asked to rate the eight main aims of the SHIP 2025-2023 in order of importance, if there were any further broad aims they felt should be in the SHIP, and if they had any further comments regarding the SHIP 2025-2030.

You Said

There were 34 responses to the survey. The feedback has been collated.

The main aims of the SHIP which were deemed as the four most important by participants were:

• Provide social housing for rent
• Prevent and alleviate homelessness
• Provide appropriate housing and support for people with a physical or learning disability
• Provide appropriate housing and support for older people

Survey participants commented on:

Infrastructure and amenities

Participants highlighted the need for housing developments to be supported by adequate infrastructure and amenities such as green spaces, medical care, schools, public transport, and local shops.

Suitable homes for ageing population

Participants felt there is a growing demand for suitable smaller homes for the ageing population who may want to downsize, suggesting that a lack of availability forces them to remain in larger family homes.

Affordable housing

A common response referred to the need for more affordable housing for people, including families, homeless, couples, and key workers, with priority to the provision of social housing and mid-market rent over affordable home ownership.

Empty homes/empty commercial buildings

Some responses focus on utilising empty properties to address housing need. Suggestions include compulsory purchase of vacant residential and commercial buildings, repurpose existing empty council buildings, utilise empty properties to combat homelessness, and create housing on potential brown sites in town centres of which empty buildings currently sit on.

Mixed and sustainable communities

The survey responses highlight a desire for areas of mixed housing developments to promote mixed and sustainable communities. Some desire to ensure that there are no visual and location differences between affordable housing and neighbouring homes.

We Will

Consider all feedback which will help shape and inform future housing developments across Aberdeenshire. The draft SHIP 2025-2030 will be presented to the Communities Committee on the 7th November for consideration and approval.