Kingseat Community Action Plan March 2014 Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan Community Action Plan

Kingseat

Key Planning Objectives for the Settlement • Preserve the amenity of the settlement.

Existing Site • Site Bus1 is safeguarded for employment uses.

Protected Land • The Kingseat Conservation Area is shown as hatched on the Plan.

2 Introduction Community Action Plan

Kingseat: Origins and air for patient rehabilitation, including Hospital was closed at the end of Development opportunities to work the land, was the March 1995. The buildings served first of its kind in Britain. The concept briefly as a fire brigade and police Located 7kms north of the Dyce area became internationally recognised and anti-terrorist training ground. In recent of Aberdeen, 1km east of Newmachar was exported in 1929 to New Zealand years the site has been reinvigorated village, and with pedestrian access where there was a mental hospital near through significant housing, and latterly to the Formartine & Buchan Way, Auckland established with the same business development, and has seen the Kingseat is a mixed residential and name. population rise from 72 in 2001 to 688 business settlement situated on a ridge in 2011. between Garioch and Formartine. The foundation stone was laid on 14 With views across Aberdeenshire and September 1901, and while it opened A renewed community spirit is growing to the Grampian mountains, Kingseat to its first patients in 1904, first stage with the establishment of the Kingseat is accessed by the B979.Covering over building continued for 25 years, with Community Association and the 43 hectares, the majority of the site ten villas named after very prominent production of this community action is designated as a conservation area, professors of the day. While Nether plan. to preserve and enhance the assets Kingseat continued to function as a of Kingseat and to maintain the area’s farm, Kingseat and Cockairn were Things We Like About Kingseat architectural and historic character. subsumed within the development. The (as given by various members of the facility was extended during WWII, community via the Kingseat Matters The settlement is reputedly named when it was temporarily requisitioned Facebook page) after King Malcolm Canmore, who, by the Admiralty as a Navy Hospital for • I can walk the dog in any direction and following the slaying of Macbeth at casualties from the Atlantic and Arctic get great views!! Lumphanan in 1053, is said to have convoys, becoming the largest naval • I have great neighbours rested on a stone at a vantage point on hospital in the then Empire. Handed • It’s so peaceful, safe for the kids to the original Kingseat farm. The name back to Aberdeen Town Council in play and lovely walks too appears in Sir Robert Gordon’s map 1946, patients eventually returned to • Peace and quiet while surrounded by of c.1637, which suggests there may Kingseat. nature be more to the story than mere local • I love that my children have a lovely legend. Approximately 810 patients plus staff safe place to play! resided at Kingseat in its heyday. From The Kingseat estate previously the early days they enjoyed physical What Could Be Better? (as given comprised of three farms, Kingseat, standards of living in advance of the by various members of the community Nether Kingseat and Cockairn, and times. The facility had its own water of different ages at the community was held under various ownerships supply, telephones and electricity, a engagement events) from 1746, including a renowned local workforce, staff housing and • Why haven’t the developers completed Aberdeen Lord Provost. In 1859, the inside bathrooms. It developed into a what they promised originally? Aberdeen District Lunacy Board thriving, self-contained community, in • What is happening to the buildings required a new mental health facility comparison to the adjacent and longer that are not developed? for paupers and acquired the site. established settlement of Newmachar. • When will the whole scheme be Inspired by Leipzig architecture and Newmachar did benefit though from finished, e.g. roads and verges, etc.? designed by the architect responsible Kingseat’s facilities, including chiropody • What can be done as we feel so for Marischal College and Greyfriars and baby care clinics. From the football isolated? Church in Aberdeen, and Deeside’s Mar and cricket fields, bowling green, and • Is this (consultation) pointless or will it Lodge, E. Marshall Mackenzie created badminton courts to the drama group, make a difference? a distinctively peaceful and sheltered choirs, social groups and the famous • A seasonal ice cream van would get settlement, with low density granite dances, there was a strong community lots of trade as there are lots of kids in villas and buildings laid out within spirit. the area. a planned parkland landscape and • We need somewhere safe for the kids tree belts with recreational facilities. Changes in the provision of mental to play and more for them to do Considered revolutionary at the time, health services in the 1990s led to a • What is happening to the the provision of open space and fresh decline in patient numbers and Kingseat development of the hall?

3 Kingseat Matters Community Action Plan

In November 2012, the Garioch So What Does Matter To Local Community Planning The Residents Of Kingseat? Group and Grampian Housing Association organised an It was clear from the community informal community engagement consultations that there were session as part of the Christmas four main areas of concern Fayre being held in Newmachar namely: Business Centre at Kingseat. • No sign of the promised play This was followed up in park February 2013 by two more structured engagement sessions, • The unfinished state of the one in the morning with a development, in particular the crèche and one in the evening. future of the derelict buildings Over 60 people participated from a population of 688 (2011 • Poor public transport to and census); that is about 10% of the from the village Publicity leaflet. residents • Lack of community facilities A number of issues were raised and other local services at these sessions where actions were required to make Kingseat These main issues and the other a better place to live and work. outcomes of the consultation Volunteers were sought to set have been used to create up a steering group to produce this Action Plan to help the a community action plan take community to focus and develop these actions forward. Some their future goals and to inform 28 people came forward at the the Garioch Local Community Consultation time! February meetings, which by Plan so that it reflects local June had become a core of 10. needs and aspirations. The project remained in touch with the wider community through the Kingseat Matters Facebook page which has over 170 “likes”.

The steering group has now been replaced by a new organisation, Kingseat Community Association (KCA), which will take forward this community action plan, along with other partners. Good links have been made to Newmachar Community Council as this statutory body covers Kingseat.

Kingseat Matters.

4 The Garioch Community Plan Community Action Plan

The Garioch Community safe communities, and early Plan 2013 - 2016 intervention. Currently there is one specific action for Kingseat, The Garioch Local Community action 3.1 which is: Plan brings together the key actions and projects of a number To work with the community of public agencies. It also includes of Kingseat for the benefit actions based on consultation of residents, fostering Kingseat Avenue. with the local communities and community spirit and local community groups. The encouraging civic pride plan can be accessed on the following link: Many of the other actions in this plan are high level and http://www.ouraberdeenshire.org. Garioch-wide, and are intended uk/images/media/document_library/ to improve the quality of life lcp/gariochcomplan2013-16.pdf and have an impact across the whole area. It is pleasing to see The plan is a live document that the actions in the Kingseat that is updated every six Community Action Plan are weeks to allow new actions entirely complementary to those to be added and completed in the local community plan. ones to be removed. The main priority outcomes are around the themes of social inclusion, welfare reform, strong, resilient,

The Business Centre.

Earlier Kingseat.

5 Other Issues Community Action Plan

Many issues were raised through Activities For Children And consultation process, and these, Young People as well as the four main areas of As noted above there is no play concern already mentioned are park in the village, nor is there described in more detail below any community meeting space. under a series of headings. There have been some issues with mild anti-social behaviour Leisure over the summer months Home zone. last year. KCA will look at a Playpark partnership with Community There are no public play Learning & Development and facilities in Kingseat. There is Sports & Leisure staff within land which is designated as a the Council in order to provide play area in the development, some youth work and leisure where the developers have a opportunities e.g. street football. legal obligation as part of the Longer term a small community planning conditions to provide facility, perhaps utilising the a play park for the children in changing facilities mentioned the community. Unfortunately above, could provide a meeting the planning conditions do not space. Another option could be a have a prescribed timescale for teenage shelter. this. There are no other obvious places in the development Transport to situate a play park. KCA will raise this issue with the Improved Bus Service developers, Bett Homes, and Public transport to and from the seek an early resolution to the village is very limited. For many problem. members of the community this Future football pitches. is not an issue, but for some Football Pitches without easy access to a car, In April 2012, Kingseat Lewis it makes life difficult in terms United Youth Football was of accessing services and can granted permission for change create a feeling of isolation. of use of land at Kingseat farm The community association has for ten years, to provide two worked with the local elected football pitches, temporary members to address this issue, facilities and associated parking. and in December 2013, a There are mixed views in the revised 235 bus service linking community about this project. to Newmachar and Dyce for However, since permission has shopping was introduced. It is been given, KCA’s view is to too early to tell how successful build a partnership with the this will be. football club in the interest of the wider community. At the time of writing this plan no work has begun to convert the fields into pitches.

Bus timetable.

6 Other Issues Community Action Plan

The Development Homes, other developers and Aberdeenshire Council. A Derelict Buildings successful preliminary meeting There are a number of derelict has taken place to explore areas buildings which detract from the of mutual concern. This will be visual amenity of the settlement, followed up in 2014. most of which have been in poor condition for many years. Some Miscellaneous Services of these belong to Bett Homes, some to other developers. Post-box Most are in the conservation There is no post box in area. Residents would like to the village, the nearest is in see these either developed or Newmachar. A request has been demolished. made to the Post Office to provide one in a suitable place, as mail is already picked up at Factoring Dereliction. The current factors were the local business centre appointed by the developers to look after the maintenance Gritting of the site, both the shared There have been problems buildings and the communal land. with gritting during the winter Residents are unclear about months, mainly due to the their legal relationship with the fact that the roads have not factors and what are the factor’s been adopted by the Council. responsibilities. They are also An agreement has now been unclear as to what part of the reached that the Council will settlement is covered by the undertake this work to ensure factoring agreement. the safety of the residents, with the costs being charged to the The soakaway. Drainage developer. There are problems with water on the roads after heavy rain Recycling and with water-logged gardens. There is no recycling point in the Again, it is unclear as to who village. The community would is responsible for solving like one. Links have been made this problem, whether it is to the appropriate department the developers, the housing within Aberdeenshire Council. associations, or the Council. Shop/Café Verges And Trees The nearest shops and other The maintenance of the verges amenities are in Newmachar. and trees has been somewhat Many residents would like to limited, and there are concerns have a facility in Kingseat. It about irregular grass cutting and is unlikely that such a facility some dead trees. would be commercially viable. However the possibility of a These issues about the small community-owned and unfinished and untidy nature of volunteer-run shop-cum-café will the development are interlinked be explored. Winter supplies. and will be taken forward by KCA in dialogue with Bett

7 Other Issues Community Action Plan

Community Safety Health And Wellbeing

Fly Tipping Access To Medical Services The derelict buildings attract Some residents expressed a unlawful tipping of waste. The desire for some more localised owner of one of these where services. It is unlikely that the tipping is an eyesore has these could be provided in been served with a compliance Kingseat. It is hoped that the The old Admin Block. order by the Council. Residents new community centre in have been asked to report any Newmachar will become host to fly tipping activity as soon as some of these. they are aware it is taking place.

Road Safety, Sleeping Policemen And Barriers There are some concerns about speeding in the village which have been raised through Newmachar Community Council. The developers have been asked to provide some extra barriers to make it more difficult for children to run onto the road.

Dog Fouling Unfortunately Kingseat, like many Aberdeenshire Leafy Kingseat. communities has some dog owners that do not clean up after their pet. The community association will take advice and look at ways of dealing with this anti-social behaviour.

Neighbourhood Watch There have been a number of thefts recently with some members of the community becoming victims of acquisitive crime. The association plans to explore setting up a neighbourhood watch scheme.

Dog bin.

8 Other Issues Community Action Plan

A Strong Vibrant Community Composting Community A suggestion has been made to look at setting up a community Community Profile composting scheme in the The members of the steering village. Negotiations will group, now the community need to take place with the association, believe that a developer as to an appropriate community profile would assist site. Contact will be made with them in prioritising this plan, and other communities where such give some statistical information a scheme has been successfully to inform future actions. The established. local community planning group should be able to assist in the The Future Of The Kingseat production of this document. Hall The hall of the former hospital Sense Of Community is currently owned by Bett Edge of the village. The lack of community facilities Homes, and will be handed over has inhibited community to Aberdeenshire Council at members from coming together. the end of the development as Despite this, there is a strong part of the Section 75 (planning sense of community in the gain) conditions. This was agreed settlement, in terms of its many years ago after public history as a separate community. consultation and before the KCA wishes to foster this and decision to build the community make Kingseat an even better centre at Newmachar. It is place to live and work. unlikely that Aberdeenshire Council will take on the building Community Activities and it may be offered to the There was some support during community in Kingseat as an The old Hall. the consultation events for asset transfer. In the meantime organised community events Bett Homes is bound to keep it in order to strengthen the secure, and wind and water tight. community. KCA is exploring The community will need to the suggestion of a family fun decide if it wishes to look at this day/street party in summer 2014. option should the opportunity This could be linked in to the arise. actions under leisure mentioned above. A summarised Action Plan follows:

Future development.

9 Action Plan Summary Community Action Plan

dialogue ongoing ongoing summer 2014 By When? By summer 2015 When? By summer 2015 summer 2015 summer 2014 December 2013, end 2014 review 2014 review an initial meeting 2016 with Bett Homes Homes Bett with ongoing summer 2014 ongoing spring 2015 took place early 2014 early end 2014 end 2014 November 2013, 2013, November winter 2013 first ongoing, onwards summer event 2014 ongoing summer 2016 end 2014 review Council Bett Homes, Factor, Ouside Agencies Ouside Bett Homes, Factor, Agencies Ouside Council, Aberdeenshire Associations Housing Council Aberdeenshire

Post Office Post NHS Grampian

Aberdeenshire Council on Aberdeenshire behalf of Bett Homes

KCA, Bett Homes, Hacking & Bett Homes, KCA, factors) Patterson (current Partnership Partnership Kingseat Community Association Kingseat Community Council, Aberdeenshire (KCA), Bett Homes United Kingseat Lewis KCA, Football Youth Council Aberdeenshire KCA, CLD and Sport & Leisure Council, Aberdeenshire KCA, Garioch Bus Forum KCA Aberdeenshire Bett Homes, KCA, Council

Community Newmachar KCA, Scotland, Police Council, Bett Council, Aberdeenshire Homes Council Aberdeenshire KCA, Warden Dog Scotland, Police KCA, Council Aberdeenshire Safety Community

KCA, Aberdeenshire Council Aberdeenshire KCA, Management Waste Garioch Local Community KCA, Planning Group KCA

KCA KCA, Bett Homes KCA, KCA, Aberdeenshire Council, Council, Aberdeenshire KCA, Bett Homes

How will this be taken forward? forward? this be taken will How

Aberdeenshire Aberdeenshire Community Independent Community Independent Group/Private Initiative Group/Private Initiative Group/Private other developers Bett Homes,

Factoring forward? will this be taken How and trees Roads verges Issue/Action Drainage Issue/Action in Kingseat establish a playpark To pitches use of the football Community people and young children Activities for Transport Public Improved Shop/café Derelict buildings Derelict tipping Fly

box Post Road safety Dog fouling Neighbourhood watch scheme Access to medical services

Recycling Gritting profile Community Sense of community

activities Community Community Composting Community The Hall

10 Action Plan Summary Community Action Plan dialogue By When? By When? By summer 2015 summer 2015 summer 2014 December 2013, review 2014 review an initial meeting 2016 with Bett Homes Homes Bett with ongoing summer 2014 ongoing spring 2015 took place end 2014 summer 2014 ongoing ongoing November 2013, 2013, November ongoing, first ongoing, summer 2015 event summer event 2014 end 2014 ongoing summer 2016 end 2014 review early 2014 early end 2014 winter 2013 onwards Council

Ouside Agencies Ouside Agencies Ouside

Council Aberdeenshire

NHS Grampian

Factor, Bett Homes, Bett Homes, Factor,

Factor, Bett Homes, Bett Homes, Factor,

Aberdeenshire Council, Council, Aberdeenshire

Housing Associations Housing Post Office Post Aberdeenshire Council on Aberdeenshire behalf of Bett Homes

Partnership Partnership Kingseat Community Association Kingseat Community Council, Aberdeenshire (KCA), Bett Homes United Kingseat Lewis KCA, Football Youth Council Aberdeenshire KCA, CLD and Sport & Leisure Council, Aberdeenshire KCA, Garioch Bus Forum KCA Aberdeenshire Bett Homes, KCA, Council

KCA, Newmachar Community Community Newmachar KCA, Scotland, Police Council, Bett Council, Aberdeenshire Homes Council Aberdeenshire KCA, Warden Dog Scotland, Police KCA, Council Aberdeenshire Safety Community

Garioch Local Community KCA, Planning Group KCA KCA, Bett Homes, Hacking & Bett Homes, KCA, factors) Patterson (current

KCA

KCA, Bett Homes KCA,

KCA, Aberdeenshire Council, Council, Aberdeenshire KCA, Bett Homes

KCA, Aberdeenshire Council Aberdeenshire KCA, Management Waste

How will this be taken forward? forward? this be taken will How Community Independent Community Independent Group/Private Initiative Group/Private Initiative Group/Private other developers Bett Homes,

Aberdeenshire Aberdeenshire

forward? will this be taken How Issue/Action Issue/Action in Kingseat establish a playpark To pitches use of the football Community people and young children Activities for Transport Public Improved Shop/café Derelict buildings Derelict tipping Fly

Road safety Dog fouling Neighbourhood watch scheme Access to medical services

profile Community Sense of community Factoring and trees Roads verges

Drainage activities Community

Community Composting Community

The Hall box Post Recycling Gritting

11 Making It Real CommunityCommunity Action Action Plan Plan

This booklet is one of a series This information can now guide It is important that this booklet produced by the Local Rural the community and Community is seen by all concerned as an Partnerships for a number of Planning Partners in drawing account of the community’s communities in Aberdeenshire. up detailed action plans to views at the time of the latest implement the top priorities consultation, and that it will have This initiative is sponsored by as well as addressing the to be regularly updated. As some Aberdeenshire Community other issues which have been projects are completed, other Planning Partnership and run identified. For each priority or issues will arise and take their by Aberdeenshire Local Rural issue this will involve agreeing place in future versions of the Partnerships. The aim is to who should be involved, what community plan. provide community action plans resources will be needed and in an attractive, easy to read, target dates for completion. It is It is recommended that this plan professionally printed format. hoped that this process will be has a maximum life of five years driven by representatives of the community with support - moral, technical and financial - from the relevant Partners.

The Kingseat Matters steering group would like to thank • the community of Kingseat for its enthusiastic participation in this project • the three Ward 12 Councillors for their encouragement • Newmachar Business Centre and Flowerpots Childcare for practical support with venues • The Garioch Partnership, Grampian Housing Association and Central Aberdeenshire CVS for their direction and encouragement

March 2014 The Garioch Partnership c/o Wyness Hall • Jackson Street • Inverurie • AB51 3QB T: 01467628801 • M: 07845701994 • [email protected]

Design by www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk

12