A CHARITY wanting to build a facility for children from Stonehaven and the surrounding area requiring additional support has had the best festive news – their plans now have the official go-ahead.
In September the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee granted Antares Property Development Ltd full planning permission for the change of use of land and for the erection of an early learning and childcare facility at Coneyhatch. This was not, however, the end of the matter.
Because of an objection by the Health and Safety Executive due to the proximity of the Ineos Forties Pipeline, the proposals had to be referred to Holyrood, where Scottish Ministers could elect to call in the plans for further scrutiny.
It appears Ministers were satisfied with both the plans and the decision made by our Area Committee.
A decision letter issued last week states: ”It is not Scottish Ministers’ intention to intervene in this application by either issuing a direction restricting the granting of consent or by calling in the application for their own determination.”
The centre can now be built by Antares then passed to the charity OaKley ASN as planned.
OaKley founder and CEO Amanda Greig said: “This is such exciting news and a long-awaited milestone for us. Now that the paperwork is finally out of the way, we can focus on what truly matters: bringing the vision of OaKley to life.
”The centre will be a safe and inclusive space where children and young people with additional support needs can thrive. Just as importantly, it will provide much-needed support and resources for their entire network—families, siblings, teachers, and carers.
”Seeing this vision come closer to reality is truly incredible.”
She added: ”We could not have reached this stage without the unwavering support of Antares Property Development Ltd and the amazing work by Inspired Design and Development in Stonehaven. Their dedication, support and belief in us has been instrumental in getting us to this point, and we are so thankful to have them on this journey with us.”
Previously in The Bellman