With thanks to The Battle for the Bay of Nigg Committee.
As newcomers to the planning system, we are surprised at the lack of meaningful public consultation required for major infrastructure projects of national importance.
We have been advised that as the new harbour proposed for the Bay of Nigg appeared in the National Planning Framework (NPF), the community will have an uphill battle to stop it – even though the planning application hadn’t even been submitted at that point.
We would like to know what public consultation is required before projects are accepted into the NPF as no locals we know of were involved.
Also, for a £320 million project, why are the required methods of public engagement so dated/limited – a few newspaper adverts, occasional mention on local commercial radio, but no use of social media or even a local leaflet drop. The developers have not yet arranged a public meeting (as suggested by us) so that the risks, benefits and impacts could at least be fully debated, now that we finally have access to all the planning submissions and the full detail of the development.
In our opinion, the standard of consultation has been poor – for example asking people to comment on a project when they do not have facts to hand or do not have access to an unbiased, trustworthy source that they can rely on.
The Environmental Impact Assessment alone consists of 4 volumes and weighs 25kg. Yet locals are expected to read this and make informed comments within 42 days without any support from independent experts (the consultation also coincides with the run up to Christmas – very poor public engagement practice).
To us, something with this process feels broken – however we hope that there is a robust solution so the local community feels truly involved with this major planning decision that will have a permanent impact on all our lives rather than a consultation being viewed as a ‘tick box’ exercise.
We feel that public engagement in all planning processes should be in the true spirit of the recently-passed Community Empowerment Act.
More Info: The Battle for the Bay of Nigg Committee is a group of Torry residents trying to save our Bay from this disproportionate development. We have no specialised knowledge or qualifications. We are ordinary citizens trying to make our voices heard by Aberdeen Harbour Board, Marine Scotland, Transport Scotland, Aberdeen City Council and the Scottish Government.
Our Facebook pages have already attracted a following of almost 700 people, predominantly residents of Torry. For further information, please contact us at bay.of.nigg@gmail.com
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I am totally against the proposal,I think it is all about platform decommissioning and heavy industry and I can’t see it happening without great disturbancs in the Torry area especially Victoria bridge and Victoria Road which is busy as it is , without the increase in traffic that will inevitably happen .As for cruise ships I think the given estimate is far larger than expected.I have been going around the bay of Nigg and Walkers Park since I was a child and would not like the proposed development to happen.
I /we are totally disgusted and sick to our stomach forever Complaining about the Stink that the sewage Factory is Causing (With no one accepting the Blame and No proper explanation answers to forever asked questions) ,This is going to be the first point that any future development work whether it is a New Harbour or whatever is /has been planed for the future of Torry and of course the Torry resident’s
Torry’s future Housing plan’s either Selling or Buying have/s fallen Sharply because of the sewage factory .granted that there is some sort of park BUT who wants to walk or play in that area? ..anyway ..
go to Duthie park/Seaton park ..NO smell there …I/we are not against the planning of the future of torry .
but we are against (all Torry residents) that I know of ..of the smell ..caused by the factory,,what about investigating how many new born children defects there are including Stillborn since the sewage company have opened ,,the air can not be healthy to breath ..what dangers are there ? caused by them …it is not safe for our people to go down to the Bay of Nigg ,So how on earth can it be safe to work down there or to make future plans ? I would like to be kept up to date/feedback on these matters concerned as would others ,and to see proof of investigation ,as there is nothing at the moment
The more I think about it, the more I think the destruction and ‘plans’ the powers that be have for Torry, isn’t just an issue for the people if Torry, it’s an issue for the whole of Aberdeen, particularly if that incinerator gets the go ahead (some think both are linked)…. The fumes won’t just effect Torry, they will go all over the city. The people of Cove, Kincorth, Porthlen should also be consulted.
We’ll all need ‘direct buses’ to the hospital !
Luxury yachts landing next to a huge incinerator…..not happening.
I /we are totally disgusted and sick to our stomach forever Complaining about the Stink that the sewage Factory is Causing (With no one accepting the Blame and No proper explanation answers to forever asked questions) ,This is going to be the first point that any future development work whether it is a New Harbour or whatever is /has been planed for the future of Torry and of course the Torry resident’s
Torry’s future Housing plan’s either Selling or Buying have/s fallen Sharply because of the sewage factory .granted that there is some sort of park BUT who wants to walk or play in that area? ..anyway ..
go to Duthie park/Seaton park ..NO smell there …I/we are not against the planning of the future of torry .
but we are against (all Torry residents) that I know of ..of the smell ..caused by the factory,,what about investigating how many new born children defects there are including Stillborn since the sewage company have opened ,,the air can not be healthy to breath ..what dangers are there ? caused by them …it is not safe for our people to go down to the Bay of Nigg ,So how on earth can it be safe to work down there or to make future plans ? I would like to be kept up to date/feedback on these matters concerned as would others ,and to see proof of investigation ,as there is nothing at the moment
Well they will have to fix the water treatment smell before the supposed cruise ships dock and those well heeled tourists embark. Where will all the traffic go?
And dont forge the planned incenerator at tullos!
Taking away a much loved green space that many many people use is just so sad.
Who will benefit from this project? Not torry thats for sure!
In who’s bank account will the money and vast profits end up!
There is nothing for the youth and children growing up and the schools are fit to bursting with the wave of economic migrants and thats a fact.
Profits of £1 billion per year!! none of which will be spent on social aspects of torry and its citizens.