Month: November 2013

Significant progress has been made by The Grandhome Trust in the preparation of a new mixed-use community in northwest Aberdeen, with the submission of an application for planning permission in principle to Aberdeen City Council for up to 4,700 homes at Grandhome.

The application to the council follows the approval of the Grandhome Development Framework which sets out the vision for the development of the new community and its wider design aspirations.

Grandhome is a strategic development within the Aberdeen Local Development Plan and aims to set new standards for development in Scotland. The new community will cater for Aberdeen’s anticipated growth over the next 10-20 years whilst also providing a new town centre for the existing Bridge of Don residents.

Grandhome is an exemplar project within the Scottish Government’s Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative.

Designed to provide an excellent environment and quality of life, the vision for Grandhome responds to local architectural characteristics and stems from the principles of place-making which promotes the design of walkable neighbourhoods, offering a range of house types, as well as community facilities, shops and jobs. The Grandhome masterplan also features a substantial network of green spaces enhancing local biodiversity and connecting to the Don Valley and wider area.

Bruce Smith, trustee and spokesman for the Grandhome Trust, said: “From the outset of this process we have sought to ensure that Grandhome will embody the very best characteristics of successful communities and set new standards for development in the city.

“Assembling an expert team and taking the time to engage widely and in depth with our stakeholders have been at the heart of our approach and we are now pleased to be taking the next step towards delivering Grandhome with this application for planning permission in principle. Ultimately, our vision is to provide an attractive and desirable community in which to live and work and which contributes to the long term sustainability and success of Aberdeen as a city.”

A detailed application for the first phase of around 500 homes is expected to be submitted to Aberdeen City Council in spring 2014, with construction anticipated to start later that year.