The public exhibition and drop-in session, organised by Knight Frank, was held at Inverurie Loco Works FC Social Club on Thursday (December 3).

Organisers have said that the majority of those attending were "very supportive" of the proposed plans to expand the town centre to the south and recognised the need to address the lack of housing and retail in the area.

Proposals were made available to be viewed by members of the public, which include 150 residential units incorporating much needed affordable housing, a new 6000 sq m supermarket and 3000 sq m of retail space. The plans focus on the area covering Colony Park, the adjacent Aberdeenshire Council Depot, the site at Ferguson Modular, Harlaw Park and adjacent business sites.

The main questions raised by local people related to the potential traffic impact, what mix of housing would comprise, the loss of community open space and time-scales for completing the expansion.
Over 100 questionnaires were given out to members of the local community at the event and 20 forms have already been completed and returned. The questionnaire will be analysed and used to inform the final planning application.

A report will be compiled in January 2010 as part of the planning application and the results shared with the local community council and individuals who have expressed an interest in the outcome of the public consultation.

Allan Rae, partner at Knight Frank has been handling the public consultation and will prepare the planning application.

He said: "We are pleased by the high number of local people in Inverurie that attended the public consultation event. The response from the local community was mostly positive and their opinions will help us to devise a planning application that will meet the needs of local people."

Local people can still contribute their opinions on the proposed expansion of Inverurie town centre by completing a questionnaire, which can be obtained by contacting Allan Rae at Knight Frank on (01224) 415961 or e-mail allan.rae@knightfrank.com.