tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29679451267152808552011-12-14T07:39:35.476ZDebra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.comBlogger1941100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-13237660675141204092011-10-15T18:07:00.000+01:002011-10-15T18:07:01.845+01:00

Please don't go to sleep.  This is important. The Strategic Plan sets out in outline what the Local Development Plans have to say.  And they determine whether planning applications are granted.  It you do - or don't - want development in that field near you.   THIS IS YOUR BEST OPPORTUNITY TO INFLUENCE. The new plan is not greatly different to the old except it takes development out to 2035

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-69723734459086995852011-09-26T18:42:00.004+01:002011-09-26T19:47:59.685+01:00

A short while ago, I worried about proposed changes to Council House Allocation Policy. Part of the justification given for the charges is "the reasons behind the proposed changes are primarily to ensure the Council makes best use of its stock and to give applicants realistic housing options. If you look at the attached spreadsheet for Formartine it shows that out of the 24 settlement 5 have a

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-4796251349509164942011-09-23T09:03:00.000+01:002011-09-23T09:03:36.422+01:00

While at the RGU Fresher's Fair with the Scottish Young Greens yesterday, I got into conversation with John McCrank of the North East Scotland Credit Union. They have early stage plans of expanding their operations into Ellon and we discussed a few possibilities for where they could set-up a couple of times each week. So if there is anyone you would like to be a local volunteer in Ellon,

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-52475769837054065502011-09-21T23:19:00.004+01:002011-09-22T10:03:37.904+01:00

Today I was at a Scrutiny and Audit Committee meeting where it was clear that over £400,000 of this years budget cuts would not be achieved ... And because some of this was primary school closures with the saving in futures years being over £2 million next year and a further £1 million in subsequent years, the consequences for future years are significant. Apart from the lack of a robust

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-66887052790914390712011-09-15T14:13:00.000+01:002011-09-15T14:13:07.880+01:00

Aberdeenshire Council is now consulting on the next version of the Local Transport Strategy.  The draft is better than the old strategy in that it at least thinks that walking and cycling is a transport option rather than a leisure activity but I am sure we can improve it further. You can read the draft here. If you wish to comment on the draft LTS, you can use the online survey at

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-18968558908844344322011-09-06T18:16:00.000+01:002011-09-06T18:16:08.017+01:00

Housing standing empty for long periods are a problem and could make a contribution to the housing stock if they were brought back into use.  The first step is to know about them. If you know of an empty home, please use Report Empty Homes.

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-8011539244852167552011-08-30T23:05:00.001+01:002011-08-30T23:08:09.301+01:00

I'm worried. The Council is currently consulting on changing many aspects of its housing allocation policies but is trying to fast track some changes (see the full report here). The proposals that worry me are 1. to reduce the number of reasonable offer from 2 to 1 and reduce the suspension period for refusal of a reasonable offer from 12 months to 6 months. 2. combine the existing letting

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-56805981898248402552011-08-16T18:27:00.000+01:002011-08-16T18:27:09.198+01:00

The public are invited to view detailed plans for the offshore wind project in Aberdeen Bay Vattenfall, Technip and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG), the joint venture (JV) partners behind the 11-wind turbine European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) off Aberdeen Bay – have announced dates for forthcoming public consultation events. David Hodkinson, UK Country

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-81080809274702356062011-06-05T16:49:00.000+01:002011-06-05T16:49:46.824+01:00

This March was in support of the Menie residents. Trump's bullying them continues trees planted to block the Milne's views from the escarpment Milne's sent a near £3000 bill for a very cheap fence Trump erected round their property without consulting them a 5m high bund built in front of the Munro's house vegetation stripped in front of and behind the Munro's left as bare sand - you can imagine

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-19383056518288413532011-03-01T21:42:00.000Z2011-03-01T21:42:15.913Z

I have joined the Macauley Land Use Research Institute's North East Scotland Energy Monitoring Project.  They have provided one of those nifty little devices that display current energy use and the kit to link this to the internet so that a continuous track of our electricity use and house temperature is displayed. Part of the intent of the research is to see how energy feedback measures help

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-55910408422322943622011-02-10T20:01:00.001Z2011-02-10T20:06:40.877Z

LibDem Council Leader Anne Robertson and "opposition" SNP leader Joanna Strathdee discussing the days business in the Council Chamber as the meeting starts. Aberdeenshire SNP, Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors have again behaved undemocratically and dictatorially after voting to prevent debate on a proposal by my group on the Council not to make planned cuts in the budget for

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-23844082630659859132011-01-18T20:58:00.001Z2011-01-18T21:32:57.348Z

Yesterday, the consultation period for Aberdeen City's new Local Development Plan finished and I know that lots of people, concerned about proposed developments to fill in Union Terrace Gardens, force a new road through Berryden and Tillydrone to connect to a 3rd Don Crossing and build 1500 houses and a Stadium at Loirston Loch will have made representations.  I just hope that City councillors

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-56941713075242507942010-12-02T17:06:00.000Z2010-12-02T17:06:53.014Z

Next weeks Formartine Area Committee will, I hope, finally decide on the site for the new Ellon Academy.  After a long process and having explored many options, it now looks like the Academy will be sited south of the river at Cromleybank with a new footbridge over the river around the Meadows helping link the Academy to the town in the short term.  This fits with the Local Plan, keeps the

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-18450132683874084632010-12-02T16:58:00.000Z2010-12-02T16:58:37.619Z

I want to share two things with you. First a lovely map of the snow across the UK from the BBC and Dundee University. And secondly, the Met Office Snow Map. Enjoy!

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-77182139580528878662010-11-26T00:30:00.001Z2010-11-26T18:59:43.591Z

Today the LibDem/Tory administration of Aberdeenshire Council, with the support of the SNP supposed opposition decided to go ahead with some £27m of cuts. Now we know that we shall have to make cuts that are of that extent. But looking at the proposed package of cuts the Democratic Independent Group had some serious reservations. While recognising the necessity of officers continuing to work

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-41892482048217825672010-11-26T00:21:00.001Z2010-11-26T19:01:10.675Z

Aberdeenshire Council today decided to meekly accept John Swinney's 2.6% cut in grant - and promised not to raise Council Tax. They were forced into this position by the threat that if they raised council tax by even the smallest amount, the grant would be cut by 6.4% - leaving an even greater shortfall in resources. The choice was not a real choice. The devil of a cut ... or the deep blue

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-85157660630029879922010-11-25T17:13:00.006Z2010-11-28T13:08:45.855Z

I am glad that Aberdeenshire has decided to approve this scheme,  We all agreed that the process of involvement with the town via the Enquiry by Design was an exemplar that we would urge other developers to seek to emulate.  The idea of high density, high quality, walk-able neighbourhoods, where the public realm focuses on people rather than cars, has become common currency in planning and

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-12755856085005014752010-11-19T17:09:00.003Z2010-11-26T19:02:42.882Z

Now it's not often that I have a good word to say about ACSEF.  But I attended one of the workshops they are organising about planning and found it very interesting.  A good mix of planners, community councillors and developers - with in this case me with my student hat on (quickly swapped to councillor) and one of my lecturers.   And a true workshop with people discussing issues and listening to

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-51923508258470100502010-11-18T13:26:00.002Z2010-11-29T20:12:26.042Z

Panning Aid, Scotland's Planning Advice Charity, is holding a day long session on Planning Procedure on Saturday 27th November from 10am-4pm , in the Kirk Centre, Station Road, Ellon AB41 9AE. It is targeting at Community Council members but those interested can also attend so if you wish to register for the event, please let Robert McGregor know by Wednesday 24th for catering numbers.  For

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-41813941300084879582010-11-18T12:30:00.001Z2010-11-29T20:13:12.668Z

I watched the BBC program me on Trump carefully and thought that it gave a fairly decent picture of the issues. Any programme is limited so it is forgivable that it omitted the disgraceful actions of local and national politicians. However, there are other films and sources for these. The only thing most people need to know is that there is now proof that if you want to protect the environment,

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-53893501658556603332010-11-17T22:38:00.001Z2010-11-29T20:14:01.996Z

Ok .. So councils that smile at a 2.6% cut in grant, and promise not to raise council tax, get one sum of money. But if any council wants to protect services by raising council tax, regardless of what their constituents may say, get punished by a 6.4% cut in grant. Someone (except NF) please explain the logic of a SNP government arguing for greater powers for Scotland and refusing to let

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-57829441686049591532010-11-08T12:44:00.001Z2010-11-29T20:15:10.567Z

You can really see how Caroline Lucas so deserved to be elected to Westminster.  She is a very convincing speaker and engages with people so well.  Definitely the highlight of the conference this weekend.  Full text of her speech is here. But conferences are not all about speeches so some good solid work honing policies and putting in place structures to manage the situation if the Greens are

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-59844053814172203992010-11-03T19:59:00.002Z2010-11-29T20:15:41.462Z

I am a big fan of Planning Alerts  - just sign up to see applications submitted near you.  These days you only have 21 days to put in a letter of representation so it's worth keeping on top of applications submitted. It's interesting seeing the output for Aberdeenshire on a map.

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-45402461213430522262010-11-03T19:41:00.001Z2010-11-29T20:16:08.979Z

Another twist in the continuing "bad neighbour" behaviour at Menie reached the Daily Mail. David and Moira Milne have has a 20ft high and 100 yards long bund built behind their house.  You can see the full story in this Daily Mail article. I believe this topsoil storage bund is unacceptable ... if it is needed, then the Trump Organisation has many other locations to place it.   A Reporter in a

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-28302895896111670052010-10-10T16:18:00.002+01:002010-11-29T20:17:33.050Z

The threats to the families at Menie are increasing. The Munro's at Leyton Cottage have the daily disturbance of heavy lorries past their house - and oddly the road put in to serve these lorries has had to be reconfigured a few times. Trump is now claiming that David and Moira Milne have no right to part of the land their house is built on. And the Trump's continuing harrassment of the Forbes

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-58296713001098425322010-10-06T13:46:00.001+01:002010-10-10T16:34:25.877+01:00

I thought that the government was being pragmatic when it announced that child benefit was to be withdrawn from families in the top tax bracket.  A bit crude perhaps as in some families both parents will be high earners and in others only one and some the high earner will be the sole earner.  But that is the way of our over-complex tax and benefit system. I think it's pity to target child

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-78564327858758089722010-10-02T22:18:00.001+01:002010-11-29T20:18:00.427Z

It's been a week for consultations.  Encouraged by the course director, I went to the opening of the Elsick design charette and looked into the workshop on Friday afternoon.  It seems to be a very open consultation exercise with real efforts to involve the local community with special sessions for school children and the residents who are most affected. And today was a Planning for Real event

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-7021488438141632052010-09-25T18:29:00.002+01:002010-09-25T18:30:34.967+01:00

I have just enrolled as a student on Aberdeen University's Urban Planning and Real Estate MSc course.  I spent Thursday and Friday on a field trip with some of my fellow students and three lecturers. It is shaping up to be an interesting experience made even better by the range of backgrounds of my fellow students as well as the engaging and challenging approach of the academic staff.   So a

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-52347931065108089452010-09-25T18:13:00.000+01:002010-09-25T18:13:36.997+01:00

We are in the last few days of the new Development Plan consultation period.   So if you do have comments to make, please make sure you do so before 1st October.  You can email ldp@aberdeenshire.gov.uk with you contribution but do be sure to give your contact details, clearly reference which bit of the plan or supplementary guidance you are concerned about and exactly what is you concern.  And

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-29686350480548329052010-09-13T17:03:00.001+01:002010-11-29T20:19:40.879Z

Congratulations to my good friends Cllr Martin Ford and Rhonda Reekie who have been selected as the No.1 and No.2 places on the Regional List for the North East of Scotland by the Scottish Green Party. While a Green, Shiona Baird, was elected for the seat in 2003, 2007 saw a retreat everywhere to the 4 establishment parties of Scotland. I know Martin and Rhonda would both be very effective

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-56708384716209126472010-09-01T10:17:00.005+01:002010-09-02T21:30:58.442+01:00

Yesterday my ward colleague Cllr Rob Merson (SNP) sprang an emergency motion to remove me as Vice Chair of the Formartine Area Committee.  To my astonishment, Rob was unable to clearly articulate what the emergency was - but the Chair Cllr John Loveday (LibDem) agreed to take the motion.  And the motion was passed. Cllr Merson cited comments I have made about my colleagues indecisiveness re the

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-53443950802129979552010-08-09T20:16:00.002+01:002010-08-09T20:47:23.740+01:00

Tory MP, Dominic Rabb has complained about campaign group 38 Degrees facilitating constituents sending emails to him.  The poor inundated soul asks his constituents not to email him.  He doesn't want his email address published anywhere and says that "My approach is to ask those with a problem or issue they want me to take up to write in, so I have full details and can check they are

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-9057045947437222292010-08-05T20:43:00.001+01:002010-11-29T20:18:56.823Z

On Tuesday at Menie, large machinery was used to clear fishing nets and other equipment from the land and a fence was erected.  However Michael Forbes, whose family home is threatened by compulsory purchase, has title deeds showing the land belongs to him.  The Forbes family are shocked and angry.  Trump's agent called on them to confirm the land boundaries and Michael Forbes showed his

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-60656774729099504352010-07-03T17:19:00.002+01:002010-07-09T10:01:18.380+01:00

The Aberdeenshire Development Local Plan was agreed by the Council on 24th June.  I did not vote for it but a future post - or perhaps posts - will talk about the issues.  After all, we have until 1st October to lodge our representations on the plan.  My previous post talked about the form required for representations.  This post will discuss the form of the plan itself. Instead of one document,

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-77020821894213879082010-07-02T21:54:00.005+01:002010-07-09T09:59:58.092+01:00

On 24th June, Aberdeenshire Council agreed to publish its new Local Development Plan for public comment and that this plan should have some degree of materiality for planning decisions. Since the previous round of Local Plans, there has been a change in legislation. This is not a draft plan that will then be turned into a Finalised Plan by the Council and then be subject to a Public Local

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-73069755337371395252010-06-14T23:12:00.001+01:002010-11-29T20:20:18.106Z

Last Tuesday, Formartine Area Committee discussed 6 possible sites for the new Ellon Academy and it was clear that there was a consensus about Options 2 and 3 which would put the Academy into the planned Cromleybank development. These were the options clearly favoured by Ellon Community Council the previous day at a special meeting. Councillors were all also agreed that a second road bridge

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-77969730839577468342010-06-14T20:07:00.003+01:002010-06-14T20:24:21.947+01:00

After months of spouting nonsense that they were somehow legally barred from telling people their views re City Square/Peacock/Union Terrace Gardens, a few have now decided to speak. I don't think Cllr John Corall puts up a solid defence of voting in favour of City Square - but at least he was willing to be filmed. Do you think he knows what he is talking about? Watch this video. He starts

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-25386118429060599122010-06-13T20:47:00.000+01:002010-06-13T20:47:41.042+01:00

Last Tuesday, my colleagues agreed to the discharge of a heap of conditions, the Masterplan and the golf course at Menie. Many of my colleagues seemed, at least before the meeting, to be under the misguided impression that the Masterplan did not impact the homes of the Menie families. I check at the meeting and it does. I moved refusal of the Masterplan on the basis that it was not

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-74981263305202657892010-05-30T13:19:00.003+01:002010-06-01T18:27:02.129+01:00

I have had reported to me three more incidents where people were stopped on the Menie Estate. References to previous incidents can be found here. One incident I regard as very serious. I quote from part of an email from a young woman horse-rider ... so went for a ride down through the dunes beside the Trump area. Was outside the fences and on the path when they're (sic) security jeep drove

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-1238978096633325122010-05-29T21:58:00.001+01:002010-05-30T10:45:03.007+01:00

The craws war chattin ti the doos Hiv ye heard the affa news They’re destroyin oor gairdens at Union Terrace Thae humans are a bliddy menace The doos said are ye sure yer richt We ken you craws are nae that bricht Oh aye we heard it fae a wise aul owl Fa wis doon the Toon’s Hoose for a prowl Noo Jenny Wren wis hoppin aroond Fin she heard the doos kickin up a soond She flew up high ti see fit’s

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-31994625687435136252010-05-29T21:54:00.002+01:002010-05-30T10:45:49.074+01:00

Some times it's best to express yourself in verse Thanks for permission to reproduce (and copyright) Bob Smith Michael Forbes his decided ti sell Some grun fit’s ca’ed The Bunker Ti some fowk fa are affa keen Ti stymie a Manhattan mumper Trump ti buy iss plot o lan Needs ti contact mair than a few Fa hiv bocht iss bittie grun An are part owners o it noo There’s nae doot iss clivver ploy

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-45847427879940935812010-05-23T22:41:00.000+01:002010-05-23T22:41:12.944+01:00

On Wednesday, Aberdeen City Council voted to support the razing (not a misspelling!) of Union Terrace Gardens and the replacement of these with Sir Ian Wood's vision of a City Square. I think this was a wrong decision for three reasons It has dished Peacock Visual Arts proposals for a new Northern Lights Arts Centre which had secured most of the required funding and would have delivered a £5m/

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-65924670489273447102010-05-07T12:16:00.000+01:002010-05-07T12:16:15.686+01:00

This Parliament does not represent us. We demand fair votes now. There must never again be an election under this broken system. We need change - http://www.takebackparliament.com/

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-82855143886662112332010-05-05T17:56:00.000+01:002010-05-05T17:56:02.209+01:00

It always fascinates me how people decide who to support.  But actual real policies often seems to have little do do with it.  So I have been watching www.voteforpolicies.org.uk with interest. This is a screen shot of the current result for Gordon, broken down by policy area.  This needs to be treated with caution - just 75 users is hardly representative - but Green policies are popular,

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-85708108423904299852010-04-28T19:17:00.000+01:002010-04-28T19:17:19.882+01:00

In a time when Governments of  all colours have messed up and thrown us into an economic mess, a little humility would go a long way.  Whatever hand in terms of seats, is what the politicians will have to deal with.  No party leader is going to make definitive statements about who they will/won't work with or on what terms.  They fear that Voter A will be put off if they say they favour Party X

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-64415639940420883322010-04-27T20:21:00.001+01:002010-04-28T19:06:25.807+01:00

It was truly a delight to have Patrick Harvie MSP visit the Sue Edwards' Gordon campaign yesterday..  It was just a busy day that I've not had a chance to write it up until now. We started with a visit to the lovely Molly Forbes who made us all most welcome (home-made blueberry muffins, cake and biscuits) and tolerated another round of media circus very patiently.  The good news for her and

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-89132407970095379992010-04-20T15:34:00.000+01:002010-04-20T15:34:23.074+01:00

All the fuss from airlines about the so-called over-cautious approach of NATS seems to me to be geared to trying to strong arm compensation out of the government rather than a sound basis of science I keep looking at the Met office maps. One maps shows satelite imagery of teh volanic ash plume. Another shows the no-fly zone predictions So just how dangerous is it to fly though this ash?  This

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-63518145165059974892010-04-13T17:32:00.002+01:002010-04-16T17:59:27.323+01:00

ASCEF's Chairman Tom Smith thinks that a 55%/44% vote against the City Square proposals is unclear - and therefore that the City Square proposals should go to a next stage - an international competition to design Ian Wood's dystopia. That 55%/44% votes goes up to 63% to 37% if the numbers on the two online petitions are included. 55% is clear. 67% is very clear. Just which bit of No doesn't

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-52447248584828889732010-04-09T11:45:00.003+01:002010-04-16T18:00:02.809+01:00

One thing I have always believed is that we must move to a system of electing our representatives that gives voters more power.  And that means the single transferable vote (STV) - the best system to maximise voter power (although like any system, it has its faults). This video explains just how crazy the current First Past The Post system is - and ties the issue firmly to the laziness and

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-63139754465767173072010-04-06T21:00:00.001+01:002010-04-16T18:01:26.484+01:00

Choices in thsi General Election for some may be hard.  Neither Labour nor the Tories look attractive and I have lost faith in the LibDems. What I do this time is clear,  I have the opportunity to vote for Sue Edwards who is a woman of principle with a big heart.   It's interesting watching someone new to politics grapple with doorsteps, hustings etc.  Sue takes it all in her stride and stays

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-38272345583112267352010-04-01T22:31:00.003+01:002010-04-16T18:02:02.695+01:00

The campaign for a Robin Hood Tax (a small tax on financial transactions) has launched a new video. Please click here and watch it.

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-12136726143596723212010-03-18T18:01:00.001Z2010-04-16T18:02:22.344+01:00

I am happy to advertise Grampian Police Open Surgeries on Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th March. THE CAR PARK, METHLICK- TUESDAY 23 MARCH 2010 1000 – 1130 HRS THE SQUARE, TARVES = TUESDAY 23 MARCH 2010 1330 – 1500 HRS MAIN STREET, NEWBURGH - WEDNESDAY 24 MARCH 2010 1000 – 1130 HRS LEISURE CENTRE CAR PARK, BALMEDIE - WEDNESDAY 24 MARCH 2010 1330 – 1500 HRS Come along to the Mobile Police

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-82575790026325391902010-03-16T20:44:00.003Z2010-03-17T18:44:31.693Z

Yesterday and today I spent looking at allocating houses and employment land to settlements in Formartine (my bit of Aberdeenshire). View Aberdeenshire Local Plan 2007-2023 in a larger map It's difficult to get information out on what is happening but I'm trying so I've put the decisions so far onto a Google map.  I've used symbols for housing, employment sites and written in the detail.  Some

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-49483866910853778072010-03-10T20:57:00.001Z2010-04-16T18:02:44.249+01:00

Today and last Thursday, I toured the eight primary schools in my ward, along with council officers and councillor colleagues.  What most impressed me was the children.  In several of the schools, the head teacher delegated touring the school to a small group of pupils.  Now, it's great to have a small group of children that are confident about engaging with strange adults.  But everywhere, it

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-52445278994957638932010-03-04T19:42:00.001Z2010-04-16T18:03:27.659+01:00

The audience at the Royal Society of Edinburgh's presentation and debate on Climate Change last night had some very clear views. Firstly, in stark contrast to the Cassandra's such as Ian Wood and Co, the audience had a great belief that the shift to a low carbon economy was an opportunity for the north east.  The overwhelming feeling was that with the assets of our ports, our universities and

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-17293796937540732932010-02-25T11:41:00.003Z2010-04-16T18:04:02.893+01:00

the Accounts Commission has called on councils to take urgent and radical action to deal with the financial challenges ahead in their annual report, An overview of local government in Scotland 2009. The reports points to a likely real term drop in the Scottish budget of between seven and 13 per cent between 2009/10 and 2013/14. Things could be worse - the Conservative Shadow Chancellor George

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-70851801864449091532010-02-23T11:47:00.005Z2010-04-16T18:04:33.867+01:00

Two senior officials in Aberdeenshire are on leave while the Council investigates matters that have been in the press over the weekend. I have sympathy for the individuals involved. Their private lives should be exactly that (so long as they do not bring it into the workplace.) The intrusion into their lives by The Sun is appalling. However it is entirely appropriate that claims of bullying

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-8858191152761824542010-02-21T18:03:00.004Z2010-04-16T18:04:55.468+01:00

Architecture and Design Scotland have now commented on the proposals. I think it fair to say that they were not impressed. I started to pick out some choice quotes .... but it was most of the document so I recommend you read the whole thing. We are nearing the end of the City Square Consultation.  I have seen nothing to change my mind from when I first posted on this topic. The CitySquare,

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-47867298579898230482010-02-16T14:58:00.002Z2010-02-19T16:50:37.528Z

This roe deer was hungry enough to spend a lot of time snacking from one of my bird feeders.  After emptying the feeder, the deer browsed spilt seeds on the ground before finally losing its nerve. They must be hungry to be so bold and therefore we need to be careful not to disturb them so they can conserve energy after this bad winter.

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-16704453591543575782010-02-16T14:31:00.001Z2010-04-16T18:05:24.087+01:00

Now please don't confuse a picture with a masterplan.  But for what it is worth, this is what Trump put out to the press today with my annotations of what is where. At the published scale is is difficult to tell what happens to the homes Trump does not own.  It looks like David Milne's Hermit Point is buried under an apartment block.  Mill of Menie is part under the first and is where the

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-90506430137924715182010-02-11T20:51:00.000Z2010-02-11T20:51:46.514Z

A small tax on banking transactions could yield enormous sums.  It's also known as a Tobin Tax.  Watch the video and perhaps sign the petition. Petition text is Dear Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg It’s time for banks to pay their fair share. We call on you to support a “Robin Hood Tax” on banks. It’s a small tax on high value transactions between banks that would raise hundreds of

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-31843289981598443162010-02-11T17:53:00.003Z2010-02-16T15:06:32.216Z

As central funding gets tighter, the sustainability of Council tax freeze gets further called into question and the prospect of a George Osborne austerity budget looms, the stresses of Council budgets are starting to show. Aberdeenshire has survived fairly well up to now.  Despite the low central government grants, good management and tight control has limited the pain.  And Aberdeenshire prided

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-70682783610824676852010-02-04T20:05:00.001Z2010-02-04T20:05:55.303Z

The police are interested in hearing your views on the force website and have asked for the following to be distributed as widely as possible.  Their text from here on .... Grampian Police wishes to develop a new Force website that meets the needs of the people of north-east Scotland. You can help by answering a few questions about how you currently or might use the Force website. Please look

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-70105321879978029692010-01-28T13:19:00.003Z2010-02-02T21:45:32.689Z

I am very grateful to have been placed 7th in the ScotBlogs Awards 2010 for Politicians.  My colleague Paul Johnston came in 9th (very unfair as he works harder than I do).  Congratulations to Paul for 5th for Hyperlocal. And now I get 4th on th Env/Green blogs. I am delighted that the Democratic Independent Group on Aberdeenshire Council has gained this recognition for our own brand of open

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-26004352609903593102010-01-26T19:38:00.000Z2010-01-26T19:38:47.888Z

Congratulations to Aberdeen University on the offical opening of Ocean Lab 2 at Newburgh.  I attended the opening this morning and benefited from a guided tour.  Thanks to Daniel for an explanation of some of the strands of work underway and Alan for a tour of the technologies.  (And apologies to both for forgetting their surnames - please take this as an expression of friendliness) Some of the

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-26228571083992724752010-01-24T16:24:00.002Z2010-04-16T18:06:05.121+01:00

I have asked Audit Scotland to investigate whether Aberdeenshire Council is failing in its statutory duty to get the best possible value from the sale of Council owned land at Menie to Trump - refusing all other bidders. I opposed the sale of this land to Trump and the rejection of other bidders.  I argued that the only way anyone can know that the best price is realised is via an open

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-73576405697182531912010-01-24T12:11:00.000Z2010-01-24T12:13:56.113Z

I am flattered to have been nominated  for a ScotBlogs 2010 Award especially as this blog has only been running since March 2009.  There is a wide range of blogs nominated so please do browse the nomination list - you never know who else you'll find.  It was fun! Voting in the Scotblog Awards is open until Wednesday 27th January at 8pm.

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-14837480197793053762010-01-22T22:00:00.001Z2010-04-16T18:05:41.934+01:00

Camilla Klemme is a final undergraduate at Edinburgh University studying Geography. She is doing a thesis on: How Sustainable is Sustainable Development in the case of Ellon? She will be asking the councillors and the community council for their views but I offered to see if anyone else wanted to comment via this blog and she is delighted at the idea.    If you'd like to comment, please copy the

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-27697438588855420292010-01-22T19:38:00.000Z2010-01-24T15:37:41.870Z

Delightfully, given my motion to Council yesterday, I can now advise that Planning Alerts is back up and running! Today I got the first results CULTERTY HOUSE MAIN STREET NEWBURGH AB41 6DA AB41 6DA (APP/2009/4114) Demolition of Culterty House and Outbuildings and Erection of Residential Development of 10 Houses and 9 Flats with relative amenities and parking MORE INFORMATION: http://

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-86200296467528748192010-01-21T17:08:00.000Z2010-01-21T19:47:24.817Z

Aberdeenshire Council took forward for detailed consideration a move to make its data more accessible to people that I proposed. It was a pity support wasn't warmer on the day that saw the launch of www.data.gov.uk My motion called on the Council to make data available in common data formats so that individuals and intersested parties can reuse this information and combine information togather

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-83836775724432686052010-01-19T23:45:00.000Z2010-01-21T17:23:38.246Z

In economics, a monopsony (from Ancient Greek μόνος (monos) "single" + ὀψωνία (opsōnia) "purchase") is a market form in which only one buyer faces many sellers. It is an example of imperfect competition, similar to a monopoly, in which only one seller faces many buyers. As the only purchaser of a good or service, the "monopsonist" may dictate terms to its suppliers in the same manner that a

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-27562009398620141412010-01-19T23:23:00.000Z2010-01-19T23:26:24.978Z

It seems that the report into the sales of land at Menie was leaked to various newspapers.  And weirdly the council decided to publish much of the material that I argued could have been debated in public itself after the meeting. And two journalists who would regard me as a friendly source complained to me that they hadn't got a copy of the report. For the record, when I was consulted on the

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-2562294568698316312010-01-19T14:05:00.000Z2010-01-19T14:05:49.406Z

Formartine Area Committee actually brought themselves to agree with Cllr Paul Johnston and I today! We argued that it was disgraceful that the standards for replacement windows in Sheltered Housing just barely met building regulations while the council put better windows that woudl reduce heating costs into other properties. I want the highest standards in both!  But is is very important to put

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-33002590648965042552010-01-17T11:39:00.001Z2010-01-28T12:03:07.036Z

A final run at this .... again, if you can get comments to me by 20th,that would be helpful.  The Formartine Area Committee will be discussing on 27th January. Enabling Development: permited for retaining a Listed Building or (newpolicy) start-up of employment, leisure, tourism in Regeneration Priority Area Protection of Nature Conservation Sites: These water down protection in the current plan.

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-70067057252488915392010-01-15T15:16:00.000Z2010-01-15T18:30:07.957Z

OK - we all had good fun about this.  But now we have the final proposals for change. Do look and respond - you can do it online and it's well presented to make it easy. I'm pretty comfortable with most of it except MPs should not be allowed to "exploit" the system for personal gain.  Much damage was done by the "but it was within the rules" whinging of MPs.  It needs to be clear that claims

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-78628926269495593222010-01-15T12:26:00.000Z2010-01-15T12:26:54.394Z

Hopefully last but one lap - comments by 20/1/10 appreciated. Flooding and Erosion : Stronger policy for both coastal and watercourse threats.  1:200 years limit for residential, commercial and key infrastructure.   5m and 10m countours considered for Flood.  Impact of hardened surfaces on flooding elsewhere considered. Hazardous Development: talks about pollution, flooding, nuisance and hazard

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-30273053319885869622010-01-14T18:37:00.000Z2010-01-15T18:46:57.687Z

Aberdeenshire Council today decided not to sign up to 10:10.  My colleague Cllr Paul Johnston could not even get a seconder for other LibDems, the Tories or the SNP.   I understand that members of Policy and Resources felt that the Council couldn't make the minimum commitment of a 3% reduction in 2010 - and a reduction of 10% from their own baseline. This is disappointing. Aberdeenshire Council

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-28335617771970889992010-01-13T22:02:00.000Z2010-01-13T22:03:10.580Z

This poor country has now been devastated by and earthquake.  The Red Cross has launched an appeal - More details.

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-77274181617087960252010-01-11T17:02:00.000Z2010-01-12T19:08:42.372Z

It is with some trepidation that I comments on this - but as folk in the City had no inhibitions on commenting on Menie, I'll put in my tuppenth-worth. I have carefully looked at all the material on The City Square website and also the Peacock Arts Proposals.  A useful comparison can be found at CompareTheSquare.  You may also be interested to read the Supplementary Planning Guidance Aberdeen

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-47234486217228540502010-01-10T12:43:00.000Z2010-01-10T12:43:13.653Z

This is all about building in quality design to new developments - all the way from how a development relates to its surroundings to the deatil of individual buildings.  This is a hugely complex subject .... Masterplanning of large developments : New requirement for development frameworks, masterplans and/or development briefs for large and medium sized developments.  Community engagement

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-14996179292774976402010-01-09T19:59:00.000Z2010-01-11T10:28:30.771Z

Private Eye's Rotten Borough Awards for 2009 have now been announced and Donald Trump has gained Brass Neck Award cited as to "toupeed tycoon Donald Trump and his lackey George Sorial" for asking Aberdeenshire Council to use CPOs to remove local residents "to make way for a vulgar housing development and golf course which will forever ruin a pristine stretch of sand-duned coast". Particular

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-90798762089930001752010-01-06T21:40:00.000Z2010-01-09T20:02:24.354Z

We have had a long period of very bad weather and it is set to continue for another week at least.  Aberdeenshire Council has quite rightly concentrated resources on keeping the main routes clear and gritted.  After all, there is little point in being able to get out of your street/side road if the main routes are blocked.  So can we please say a big thank you to the staff who have been working

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-27001368818223662722010-01-02T17:38:00.000Z2010-01-02T17:38:56.463Z

In terms of the volume of housing, most of the decisions have already been made in the   Housing Land Supply : follows Structure Plan but "to assist in long term masterplanning of development areas beyond 2023 ... may bring forward site specific supplementary planning guidance for periods beyond 2023".  20% housing due to be delivered in via Countryside policies with other 80% in allocated

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-26043964096954692792009-12-31T10:44:00.000Z2010-01-02T10:46:44.566Z

Again, I try to summarise the policy proposals and give my comments on these.  Your feedback, especially before 20th January, would be appreciated. Development in Countryside: divides Aberdeenshire into 3 : Accessible (around Aberdeen and the A90 and A96 corridors), Regeneration priority (Peterhead-Fraserburgh and the Moray coast) and Rural (everything else).  In Accessible, small scale

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-76793105789400963592009-12-30T11:42:00.000Z2009-12-31T10:02:23.880Z

See below for details of the process and please get back to me with comments by say 20th January - else your concerns may not be raised.  I'll just post here very quick summaries and my comments - do see the original documents for the full version. Employment land - existing employment land protected for employment purposes (rather than silence in current local plan) Office development - new

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-13079791899096158202009-12-27T13:18:00.000Z2010-01-02T10:51:50.923Z

If the Menie development didn't after all go ahead, there is a bond to pay for the restoration of the dunes.  So how much do you think it will cost to undo the marram grass planting, remove fencing, remove hessian sheet and fences and let the dunes revert to their natural dynamic state? I have a copy of the legal agreement between Aberdeenshire Council and Trump so I know the answer.  But I'll

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-81378528597760882692009-12-24T19:16:00.000Z2009-12-24T19:16:43.561Z

Best Wishes for the Festive Period.

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-53099634941279018402009-12-24T09:58:00.000Z2009-12-24T09:58:43.975Z

Today an inch of council papers arrived by post.  These documents are for me to look at part of the Main Issues for the next Local Plan.  My colleagues and I will discuss the policy issues on 27th January and our conclusions will help shape the development of Aberdeenshire for the next 10 years.  So we have a few short weeks to digest the contents of the Main Issues report and to look at the

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-63308959579886272952009-12-22T09:23:00.000Z2009-12-30T21:00:43.019Z

The Scottish Government has announced that the AWPR is to go ahead but that the Aberdeen Crossrail project will not proceed.  All this just a few days after the close of Copenhagen at which Alex Salmond trumpted the Scottish Government commitment to reducing CO2 emissions. I have always been a skeptic re the AWPR: the major problem with Aberdeen is peak hours commuter congestion.  And public

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-75873292919487993982009-12-19T14:55:00.000Z2009-12-19T14:55:38.677Z

It seems the politicians have failed to deliver the necessary actions at Copenhagen.  There are some fine words - but there is a world of  difference between good intentions and long term promises and the concrete action needed. So we need to do, without the help of the policies and initiatives that would help, what we can.   So please sign up to 10:10 and encourage everyone you know -

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-27393985045493150782009-12-12T13:28:00.000Z2009-12-12T13:28:30.480Z

The Press and Journal has thrown away all pretence of balanced reporting on Trump today.  In a series of articles, it claims that Tripping up Trump has tenuous links to the NE of Scotland and finally says  "This newspaper has given a voice to all those who have wished to become involved in the debate about Donald Trump’s plans. That courtesy was extended to Tripping Up Trump in the belief that

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-58895021259724597912009-12-11T17:03:00.001Z2009-12-11T18:14:43.982Z

This is an extract from Aberdeenshire Council's Corporate Risk Register. I noticed this amongst 240 other risks as it was "Increasing". Risk No Risk Risk Type Potential Impact Inherent Risk Mitigants & Controls Residual Risk Risk Status Probability Impact Risk Rating Probability Impact Risk Rating C019 Councillor objective may be

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-67123179441440528432009-12-08T12:26:00.001Z2009-12-08T12:26:39.181Z

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-86633215217398809722009-11-30T21:25:00.000Z2009-12-02T10:48:12.424Z

Fiona Hyslop has threatened to take education away from local councils - because they haven't delivered smaller primary class sizes.  And now the SNP government is apparently considering removing social care from local councils too.    That would centralise about three-quarters of local government spending.  I happen to believe in local people making local decisions.  And if that means that

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-33818771215607980722009-11-27T22:39:00.000Z2009-12-06T17:23:04.559Z

Yesterday, the Provost refused to allow a motion on 10:10 from Martin Ford to be debated, saying it needed discussion at Policy and Resources. But today, a news release on Aberdeenshire's website asked residents to support 10:10. Now any support is welcome. But as Martin says "What happened overnight? Certainly there was no meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee. Yet the Council's

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-83495483936567668822009-11-26T21:02:00.000Z2009-11-30T16:43:36.168Z

Aberdeenshire Council today unanimously agreed to support the Vote Earth campaign. Things are moving in the right direction with President Obama and China both making positive statements today. I hope that Copenhagen can produce a binding deal. The latest scientific advice is that unless emissions are stabilised by 2015-2020, then it may all be too late. So we have to start some serious cuts

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-40408905843362623282009-11-26T16:42:00.000Z2009-11-30T16:54:06.515Z

Brewdog, Scotland most innovative brewery today had its proposal for a new eco-brewery and tourist facility at Potterton approved. I suspect a bottle of Tactical Nuclear Penguin may be opened in celebration. Health warning: this is a very strong beer and must be treated with respect. Tactical Nuclear Penguin from BrewDog on Vimeo.

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-32696954052749233332009-11-26T16:20:00.000Z2009-11-30T16:52:24.483Z

Aberdeenshire took a small step towards giving the Menie residents some comfort that they will not be subject to CPOs. They approved a motion without a vote that affirmed a commitment to UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights including article 17 (2) "no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property" Of course there is some scope for interpretation. Some of my colleagues may still think

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-60476159413286702022009-11-23T22:47:00.000Z2009-11-25T12:35:42.448Z

The SNP government has announced plans to buy up 2000 houses that private developers can't sell - using money that local councils will borrow.  But the £200m cost of the scheme has to come out of someone's pocket and it looks like local councils may be forced to pick up the bill - while the government gets all the credit.  The houses would be sold and the funds put back to councils when the house

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967945126715280855.post-53523900843377866202009-11-23T21:15:00.000Z2009-11-30T16:53:24.058Z

My constituent Molly Forbes who is at risk of being forced out of her home by the Trump development at Menie has raised a legal challenge to Aberdeenshire Council's planning decisions. Permission was recently granted to add land at Mill of Menie (where Molly lives), Menie Fishing Stations, Leyton Cottage, Hermit Point, Leyton Farm plus some council owed land to the outline permission granted by

Debra Storrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00709860197387717627noreply@blogger.com2