William Burnett of Smithy Croft is canvassing locals for their views on the next Aberdeenshire Local Plan, which will determine the future expansion of the village.

Mr Burnett has submitted a proposal to Aberdeenshire Council for a development on his land of four detached houses, which he claims would provide affordable homes for local people.

However, after considering the merits of six different development proposals for the village, the council, in a report published in May, has highlighted a submission from Mr Bruce Mackie as the most favoured.
Mr Mackie is proposing to build up to eight houses on a gapsite between the Street and the Spittal, in a development which would include a playpark and village green next to the Rora Hall.

But Mr Burnett believes that other developments, including his own, could provide similar community benefits, and has set out to find out what the people of Rora want.



As well as having the opportunity to attend Aberdeenshire Council consultation events about the proposed Local Plan, Rora residents have come together recently in the Village Hall to discuss their options.
In the coming weeks Mr Burnett will also be asking locals to vote for what they want to see in their village.

Speaking to the Buchanie Mr Burnetts's daughter Lorna said: "We're going to make this democratic. This document is up for debate and we want to get as much participation as possible. Rora isn't a village, it's a settlement and we want to make people aware of the local plan and what's happening in Rora."

The Local Development Plan report has been published online for a seven week consultation period from May 18 to July 6, with consultation events held at 23 venues across Aberdeenshire, including Peterhead and Mintlaw.

The public can comment on the proposals online before July 6 at:
www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/localplan_new/feedback/index.asp