W&ECC held their AGM in the Holiday Inn last night. Two office-bearers stood down. Audrey Findlay resigned from Chair and Anne Thomson resigned from the secretary’s post. Both have put an enormous amount of work in to the community council over the last few years. Westhill & Elrick is a very professional and diligent community council and is one that all elected members enjoy attending. It is an excellent opportunity for us to report back to the community about local issues and to be regularly held to account, rightly so.

The AGM was also attended by Robert Gray, Head of Planning and Building Standards and Thomas Barrett, Local Planner, Aberdeenshire Council who presented information on the Arnhall Business Development’s latest phase. One of the concerns I have about this site is that the land at the tip of phase 3, i.e. the gateway to Westhill, is under the planning authority of Aberdeen City which means it will be determined by City councillors and not Ward 13 local members. Of course local residents will be able to submit representations in the usual way, when detailed planning applications become live. I hope that Aberdeenshire Council and Aberdeen City Council can work in close partnership to deliver an overall design that fits in well with the existing area and is pleasing to the eye for all who visit, live and work in Westhill.

The monthly W&ECC meeting followed the AGM where Alan Crichton was elected as Chair and Frank Yeates as Vice Chair. I am sure both will make excellent office-bearers. The group also gained two brand new members, Mervyn Barr and Stephen King – welcome additions to the “old faithfuls” who make invaluable contributions to the community throughout the year.

More details about Westhill & Elrick Community Council can be found on their website – www.westhill.org.uk