PLANS to turn two “executive” homes in Aberdeen’s west end into accommodation for energy workers have been given the go-ahead despite opposition from neighbours.
City-based BEO Holdings Limited had applied to the city council for permission to let out 14 and 15 Hazledene Drive.
The homes are part of Dandara’s recently completed development The Grange.
But the proposal didn’t sit well with residents already living on the street as 12 letters of objection were sent to the local authority.
They feared the move would “tarnish” the quiet neighbourhood, which can be found on the outskirts of the city.
Residents were scared that the change would lead to antisocial behaviour and cause unwanted disruption by bringing “rowdy” parties to the street.
Under the short term let licence, the neighbouring three-bedroom bungalows will welcome up to six guests each per stay.
But those opposing the plan argued that the development had been created as a ‘home zone’ by Dandara which meant it was not designed for commercial use.
They were also worried that frequently changing guests could have a detrimental impact on the residents of the Woodlands Care Home next door.
The 81-bed facility, which sits less than ten metres away from the first bungalow, provides round-the-clock residential, dementia and respite care.
Gordon Park, who has lived in the street for just over a year, stated that Hazledene Drive had become a “desirable” location and was a “peaceful residential area”.
But he suggested that Airbnb was “totally inappropriate” for the neighbourhood that was described as being so quiet “you can hear a pin drop”.
He said: “We have very quickly built up a community environment where people are friendly, talk to each other and look after each other’s properties if they go on holiday.
“We’ve got a community theme that people enjoy but we feel that these applications will have an adverse impact on what’s going on there.”
Solicitor David Scott attended the meeting on behalf of other disgruntled residents.
He raised the shared concern that the properties could risk becoming Airbnb rentals if they find no oil and gas tenants.
But BEO Holdings’ solicitor Tony Dawson said claims of the homes being used for parties such as stag and hen weekends was “completely false”.
He argued that the lets were needed to address a “significant” gap in the market.
The solicitor said there was “untapped demand” from renewable energy companies and relocation firms for properties to lease to families moving to the north-east.
Dawson revealed that properties had been purchased for £430,000 each while a further £100,000 was spent upgrading the bathrooms and buying furniture picked out by interior designers.
While there was some concern over who would be allowed to stay at the homes, he confirmed that applications would be vetted by Grampian Lettings.
The agency offered reassurance that just one family would be allowed to stay in each home and rental periods were more likely to be weeks, not days.
But the homes won’t come cheap – potential lodgers may have to stump up at least £400 per night to stay in the bungalows.
Addressing the objections, Dawson believed that many worries could have been alleviated if there had been better communication in the street.
He went on to say that there had been a “complete lack of understanding” regarding the plans for the two properties.
But councillor Neil Copland urged the committee to back the proposal.
He said: “We are being asked is this a suitable property to be let on a short term basis, and I think yes it should be.”
Both applications were unanimously approved by the committee.
