Angus country park lovers fear multi-million pound plans to transform two of the area’s most popular beauty spots will turn them into a “gated Center Parcs”.
Pressure is mounting on council leisure trust Angus Alive to share details of its vision for Monikie and Crombie.
And it has been accused of treating the public with “contempt” over the masterplan dream.
A community consultation on the far-reaching vision was launched this month.
But opponents say Angus Alive board minutes suggest the idea was forming more than 18 months ago.
And private consultants have already been appointed to develop the masterplan.
The council hopes to secure levelling up fund money to turn the two parks into Tayside’s ‘must-visit’ family destination.
It could bring:
- Holiday lodges
- Glamping pods
- Motorhome parking
- Water and woodland activity areas
- Treetop walkways
- Watersports jetties
- Cafe provision
- Outdoor amphitheatre
The survey was launched in what the council described as the “first phase of exploration”.
But critics say the idea of a parks masterplan has been on the table of the Angus Alive board for more than a year.
And nature lovers are furious there has been no ecological survey completed at either park so far.
Early reaction to the proposals has been largely negative, with one Courier reader describing the idea as “repulsive”.
‘Pitiful’ consultation
Local resident Graeme Gorrie said: “Angus Alive and Angus Council have already carried out substantial work with the help of external consultants over the last 18 months – but all in secret.
“I’m furious the public are being held in contempt with the lack of information being provided by these public bodies.
“The only thing available to the public is a two-minute survey with no vision of the overall plan.
“Face-to-face consultation, which was held on a working day during the school holidays, didn’t add any further information.
“The public engagement has been pitiful and is very likely to only be a box-ticking exercise to complete the levelling-up bid form.
“So what are we looking at here – a gated Center Parks or Landmark-type set-up?”
He added: “I have spent weeks seeking answers from councillors, my MP and Angus Alive directly and it has led to nothing.”
Many comments which followed the survey launch raised concern about the impact on the parks’ greatest asset – their natural beauty.
“There have been no ecological studies or surveys.
“The impact of the plans is a complete unknown,” said Mr Gorrie.
“The levelling up window is due to open in a few weeks. This situation is intolerable.”
You can take part in the online survey here.
Council response
Angus Council said it was “delighted” with the feedback so far, with around 1,000 responses.
It closes on November 5.
The council confirmed no ecological survey had been carried out.
“However, any proposal must be biodiversity positive, and protect the habitats and species. This is an absolute priority for Angus Alive and Angus Council,” said a spokesperson.
It said the proposal to collate a levelling up fund bid relating to Monikie and Crombie was first discussed with the Angus Alive board in mid-April this year
And Scottish Government funding was secured over the summer to engage Dundee consultants Urban Foresight on the project.
The council added: “The opening date for the levelling up fund has yet to be confirmed and the exact range of funding options is as yet unknown.
“First, we will listen to the views of our communities provided through this important consultation.
“They will help to shape the detail of any funding bids that we aim to secure.”
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Conversation