Introduction
We have been in discussions with Aberdeenshire Council since the summer of 2009 about the potential for a site on current council land. As part of this discussion, a small portion of Baird Park has been identified for further discussion with planners, residents and other users.
We are bringing this to the attention of our membership and the wider community at the same time due to the need to progress it quickly. The reasons for this are two-fold. Primarily we want to get the site up and running before the best part of the growing season but also because we are making a bid to the Climate Challenge Fund to enable us to develop the site for allotments. If we succeed in acquiring the funding, we would need to have the site completed in the spring of 2010.
Details of the site
· The Location Map shows the part of Baird Park that is proposed
· The total area is 3,500 m2 approx
· Proposal to have 35 plots of approximately 100m2
· Perimeter fencing up to 1.8m high around the whole site
· Lockable gates in the fences
· Close to the town centre, this site will contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions as well as having a positive impact on the health of plot holders who are more likely to walk or cycle to it
Impact on existing area
· The Quoits’ pitches will be preserved with a 10m gap between the existing fence and the allotment site
· Access to the river bank and existing footpaths will be preserved
· Existing trees and shrubs will not be affected
· The Tug-o-war group are being contacted by Aberdeenshire Council to consider relocation
Management issues
· Aberdeenshire Council have agreed in principle to lease the ground if planning permission is granted
· Such a lease is still to be negotiated but Stonehaven Allotments Association would be responsible for the running of the site
· Planning permission will be dependent on suitable terms and conditions being applied as part of both a design and management brief
· Stonehaven Allotments Association have already devised draft terms and conditions for our plot holders which will govern how the site will be managed
· An example of terms and conditions is provided here for information only and would be adapted to provide for specific constraints or conditions on this site