FMQs: Maggie Chapman urges FM to oppose corporate land grab at St Fittick’s
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions today, Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman has urged the Scottish Government to oppose the controversial plan to build on St Fittick’s Community Park – the last green space in Torry.
Just before Christmas the Scottish Government announced that it would not ‘call-in’ the widely opposed proposals, despite the detrimental impact it would have on public health and wellbeing, local nature and access to green space.
Ms Chapman has supported the community-led campaign to save the park from being built on with a so-called Energy Transition Zone. In 2021, Ms Chapman hosted a debate about its future in the Scottish Parliament.
In her question to the First Minister, Ms Chapman said:
“Just before Christmas, the Scottish Government chose not to call in Aberdeen City Council’s decision to approve plans to build on the last remaining greenspace in Torry - St Fittick’s Community Park.
“There is no local consent for this development, but overwhelming local and national opposition. And SEPA has objected to the proposals due to flooding risks – something that’s only going to get worse.
“Torry has already borne the brunt of unjust energy transition, losing Old Torry to oil & gas infrastructure. The incinerator and sewerage works loom over the community. It has a life expectancy more than 10 years lower than the rest of the city.
“Torry shouldn’t have to lose its park to this corporate land grab.
“So can the First Minister explain to the people of Torry how the excellent principles in the National Planning Framework – designed to protect wellbeing and build healthy futures for our communities – are being upheld in this case.”