Community representatives in Aberdeen have expressed concern at proposals which could see 25,000 homes built in the city over the next two decades.

Council planning officials this week revealed 48 developments which could go forward to the next local development plan.

Councillors will consider their report next week, when they are likely to approve a two-month public consultation on the proposals.

About 78 bids from developers have effectively been ruled out as “undesirable”, but community councils last night expressed concern at some of the schemes likely to go through to the next stage.

Stewart Milne Homes wants to build 400 homes at Gillahill, Kingswells, while options for four other sites could see 920 homes built in the community, as well as a business park at West Hatton.

Kingswells Community Council chairwoman Barrie Buchan said: “We are really quite appalled that Gillahill is back on the map again.

“It has already been through a public inquiry process and the reporter at that point deemed it unsuitable, but it’s back again. To say we are upset is an understatement.

“I think our community will be very angry that it’s back because there were 550 objections last time.”

The report also said developers building more than 1,000 homes could be asked to provide small sites for one or two travellers’ caravans.

Other major developments deemed “desirable” or “promising” by officials include plans for 550 homes at Dubford, Bridge of Don, 1,400 homes at Greenferns, west of Mastrick, and 7,000 homes at Whitestripes.

Another five proposed developments — at Stoneywood, Craibstone, Rowett South, Greenferns Landward and a site near Bucksburn School — involve a total of 4,520 homes.

In the south of Aberdeen, a new community stadium and 1,500 homes could be built at Loirston Loch, while seven bids have gone forward in Deeside for 868 homes, as well as a development of 3,000 homes at Countesswells.

Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council chairman Peter Reiss said: “I guess the forecast for our area has reduced from 10,000 new homes to about 4,000, but we are not convinced that all these houses need to be built on green belt in the city.

“Frankly, we would have expected a housing needs assessment to have been completed before this report. It is the cart before the horse.”

By Calum Ross

Published: 26/09/2009 http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1414115?UserKey=