Aberdeen City Council has given the green light to plans for the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) at St Fittick’s Park, marking a significant step forward for the project. However, the development still faces hurdles, with flooding concerns and the need for Scottish Government approval looming large.
The council’s planning committee approved ETZ Ltd’s proposal for the development, which will be situated next to the £420 million South Harbour. The ETZ aims to help the North-east shift towards renewables and a net-zero future, potentially creating jobs and attracting investment to the region.
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Maggie McGinlay, chief executive of ETZ Ltd, welcomed the council’s decision, calling it “an important milestone.” She expressed confidence in the project’s progression, stating: “The application is compliant with all the relevant planning guidelines, I’m confident we can proceed with this.”
However, the development has faced significant opposition. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has lodged an objection due to flooding concerns, as part of the St Fittick’s site has been known to flood. SEPA argues that no new development should be built in the area.
As a result of this objection, the final decision now rests with the Scottish Government.
The plans involve realigning the East Tullos Burn to make way for the new development. While ETZ Ltd and the council maintain that this will not increase flood risk, residents and environmental experts remain skeptical.
The project has also drawn criticism from local community groups. The Friends of St Fittick’s Park have been vocal in their opposition, arguing that the development would negatively impact the health and wellbeing of the Torry community, as well as local wildlife and wetlands. Many made their voices heard outside the Town House ahead of the Council’s planning meeting where the plans were approved.
Scott Herrett of the Friends of St Fittick’s Park group addressed councillors to raise his concerns – and asked for the greenspace to be removed from the plan.
The Torry resident said: “For the last two years after winter storms, I have witnessed flooding in the park larger in extent than that shown on the one in 200-year flood plans.”
He also argued that the flood risk in the application had been “underestimated”.
“If there is an actual one in ten, 50 or indeed 200 year storm tomorrow, there is a high probability that the flooding will be far greater in extent than that shown on the plan.
“This would have severe consequences on future park users and any development built.”
Rachel Smith, another objector, told the meeting: “Torry is the canary in the Just Transition coal mine.
“The people who are already disadvantaged who have been through years of unwelcome development, it’s as if Torry has become Aberdeen’s portrait of Dorian Gray because it’s at the wrong side of the river.”
Supporters of the ETZ argue that it is essential for securing investment in renewable energy and addressing inadequate infrastructure in the sector. They believe the development could position Aberdeen as a “centre of excellence for hydrogen.”
The ETZ plans encompass three separate areas along the coast, including St Fittick’s Park, Gregness, and the former Doonies farm. While no detailed plans have been submitted, the vision includes industrial units and yards to support the renewable energy sector.
As the project moves forward, it will need to navigate the challenges of balancing economic development with environmental concerns and community interests. The Scottish Government’s decision will be crucial in determining the future of this controversial development.
