Temporary car park at James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen ordered to be removed two years on

A temporary car park created in Aberdeen’s west end by a research organisation will have to be removed after it was refused following an appeal.

The James Hutton Institute formed the overflow parking area just off Macaulay Drive almost two years ago.

It was needed at the time while construction work was taking place to create a new access route to the centre from Countesswells Road.

The project also included plans to increase parking provision on the campus site to 96 spaces.

However, the temporary facility has still been in regular use despite work finishing at the institute site last August.

Bosses submitted an application to keep the car park permanently, saying it could be used by dog walkers, First Class Nursery staff and visitors to the Scout Hut.

They also claimed it could act as an overflow parking area while events are taking place at the Just Transition Hub and would prevent on-street parking in the neighbourhood.

But, Aberdeen City Council’s roads team objected as they believed the site would be used as a standalone car park and would not be connected to a particular venue.

They argued the car park was created as a temporary measure while construction works were under way and this has since been completed.

Reference was also made to the local authority’s planning policy which encourages sustainable travel over private vehicles.

They claimed the facility would stop people from using public transport, walking or cycling, and could see an increase in cars instead.

Craigiebuckler and Seafield community council hit out at the plan too over fears the “eyesore” site would increase traffic, noise and pollution on Macauley Drive.

The group was also worried the glare of lights from vehicles could impact on residents and wildlife living nearby.

Members believed the extra car park was “not necessary” and wanted the ground to be returned to its former condition.

The initial application to make the facility permanent was refused by local authority planners in May.

However, developers recently put the matter before the council’s Local Review Body in a bid to overturn the decision.

Meeting convener councillor Ciaran McRae noted the Institute’s “extensive” parking upgrade and argued the temporary spaces shouldn’t be needed.

“If they believed at the time that they required more, then they should have potentially made that car park slightly larger than what was proposed,” he stated.

Meanwhile, fellow councillor Marie Boulton voiced concerns about the “displacement” of cars from the car park to the nearby housing estates, and safety issues that brings.

But, she didn’t want to see temporary measures being made permanent “become the norm”.

It seems the councillors all thought similarly as they went on to unanimously agree to uphold the refusal.

A spokesman for The James Hutton Institute said the firm made a “significant” investment to form the new access road to help alleviate traffic congestion on Macaulay Drive.

He added: “With the upcoming public opening of the Hutton Hub, we anticipate increased visitor numbers, and the additional parking space was intended to reduce the likelihood of on-street parking in surrounding residential areas.

“We’re disappointed that permission for this important addition has been denied, thus reducing appropriate parking facilities for the Hutton as well as the local community.

“The James Hutton Institute is committed to being a responsible and considerate neighbour.

“We welcome open dialogue and encourage anyone with concerns or feedback to contact us directly.”