It is a wonderful example of spin whilst demonstrating widespread "consultation" via the website's survey. The only figure mentioned is 140, 000 hits – about half the population of Aberdeen. The article (and presumably CHAP homes) is rather coy at stating how many of the hits went on to respond to the web site's survey.

The eco credentials for new build houses are perhaps a little overstated given the Holyrood and Westminster Governments' recent environmental directives, from which we should expect most new build developments to have similar energy performances.

Perhaps the greening of the logistics from Durris the parish where this eco village is actually located is the proposal's strongest suite. Over 50 % of the survey respondents will cycle to Aberdeen. Will they be commuting daily or cycling with the kids at weekends and do they know that they will be cycling over 3 km of narrow public highway to get to the Deeside Way path? As for the 70% who would travel by bus. It is difficult to see how this would be realised given the utilisation of busses on the North Deeside Road.

I understand the current view of the Planning Department is that the site is outwith the Structure Plan development corridors and scores very poorly in the Growth Assessment Matrix.

Whilst it is quite reasonable for CHAP to make the strongest case they can to turn a quarry into a town modelled on Ballater, it surely it up to the Piper to ensure balanced reporting, and I look forward to a future, more balanced, article on this "village"

Yours etc
Donald Keith
Drumoak