Aberdeen City Council has granted approval for Cala Homes to lease airspace for the construction of a new £4 million bridge, a crucial element of a proposed 100-home residential development in the Pitfodels area. This decision by the council’s finance committee marks a significant step forward for the infrastructure project, although the wider housing proposals are still awaiting final planning consent.
The developer, Cala Homes, intends to build 100 new properties, encompassing a mix of one to five-bedroom homes, within the Pitfodels locale. Integral to this development is the proposed River Dee crossing, designed to connect the Cults and Garthdee suburbs by linking Inchgarth Road and North Deeside Road. The new bridge is anticipated to alleviate traffic congestion on Pitfodels Station Road and Westerton Road, both of which currently rely on historic single-track railway bridges, and to establish a new commuter artery for residents along Deeside.
Despite this progress on the bridge’s airspace lease, the overall development has encountered substantial local opposition. Aberdeen City Council has received 1,669 objections to the scheme. Primary concerns raised by residents include the potential impact on local wildlife and the capacity of existing schools in the area.
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However, official bodies have addressed some of these concerns. NatureScot, the national agency for natural heritage, has indicated that the proposal is “unlikely” to harm species despite the site’s proximity to the River Dee Special Area of Conservation. Furthermore, Aberdeen City Council has stated that there will be “sufficient available capacity” at both Cults Primary School and Cults Academy to accommodate new pupils.
Ross Maclennan, Land Director at Cala Homes (North), welcomed the council’s decision regarding the airspace lease. He stated: “The £4m bridge and link road will help to address long-standing concerns around traffic movement, congestion and road safety in the area.”
The construction of the bridge is contingent upon the approval of the associated housing plans.
