Imagine Laurencekirk - Capacity Study - Comments

Natural Heritage

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There were many comments on the importance of Denlethen Woods and how it was a valuable community asset used by many in the locality. Several comments suggested that access could be improved to this facility.

A number of respondents cited the importance of the Garvock Hills. The comments were in relation to this resource as both a recreational asset and the role in creating a ‘sense of place’ for Laurencekirk. However, some residents thought an opportunity was lost and that access to the countryside should be improved around Laurencekirk.

...not enough is made of the countryside around us as there is a lack of suitable facilities

Residential

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The community of Laurencekirk were generally supportive of new housing development in and around the settlement. It was felt that an increase in the population would help to support existing services while adding the opportunity to develop new amenities. Several comments raised concern about the volume of large houses that have been constructed in recent years.

One of the key points to emerge from the community consultation was the need to include new associated infrastructure in relation to any new house building.

There was strong feeling against any new residential development until the school and road junctions were upgraded.

Many comments were made on the need for a mix of housing types;

…a variety of housing, that will attract more age groups and affordable housing for young people.

During the community consultation some areas were highlighted outwith the current settlement boundary for housing development.

Town centre

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There were major concerns highlighted in regard to the congestion on the High Street and the lack of suitable parking.

Many comments were made on the ‘poor local facilities’ which included the lack of choice in terms of retail. There were positive comments made in terms of the increase in population supporting a greater range of shopping and leisure facilities.

Many people felt that there was a distinct lack of focus to the town centre and felt this was hampering development of this area and discouraging people to visit Laurencekirk.

Open space

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The open space within Laurencekirk is viewed as a valuable community asset and many people feel that new protected open space should be incorporated more extensively within new developments. It was highlighted that there has been a distinct lack of this in recently built developments.

Commercial

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A key element raised in the consultation was the need for some small scale office space to encourage new business to the area.

Schools

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One of the key factors raised in the consultations was the need for a new academy. Many people noted that the present academy was already at capacity. However, many people saw this as an opportunity to redevelop the school with improved facilities and incorporate sports and leisure facilities within the complex.

It was highlighted on many occasions that new residential development should not take place unless a new academy is developed.

...the school is already massively insufficient for current pupil numbers

Transport & Infrastructure

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Many comments were made on the pressure on the current transport system of any new development that may take place. Major concern was directed at the current junctions on to the A90 trunk road and many people felt that this was a good opportunity to justify the construction of a grade separated junction.

Several comments were made on the current congestion within Laurencekirk and the problems that this brings;

...at certain times of the day the high street is horrendous and is difficult to negotiate

...the roads are not fit for purpose with too many lorries and heavy traffic using the main street

There was confidence in the community that the opening of the railway station will bring key benefits to the settlement of Laurencekirk and the surrounding area. This included a more sustainable option to commute to various places of work and it was felt that it would also attract people to Laurencekirk as a place of employment. There were a few comments on the need to make the new railway station an ‘integrated transport hub’ to serve the larger rural area around Laurencekirk;

Other Comments

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There was broad support for sustainable development outwith the current settlement boundary and many people saw this as an opportunity to improve Laurencekirk.

Some of the comments included;

...possible sites for residential development to finance grade separated junction

...the area around the railway station could be used to construct new buildings for employment

...more leisure and recreational facilities to encourage more people to come and live in Laurencekirk

Possible opportunity for new business/offices/village centre/square