Residents living around the major planned extension of Aberdeen harbour could be moved into temporary housing if construction noise is too loud, it was revealed yesterday.
Large-scale infrastructure works ahead of a £375million expansion were approved at yesterday’s planning committee.
But members heard new details of a “last resort” contingency that would result in residents having their windows sound-proofed or even moved out if the noise levels rise too high.
Councillors said that Torry residents would now face “years of misery” after it was further revealed that concrete would be produced 24 hours a day at a new temporary facility and that all lorries over 40 tonnes would have to pass through Victoria Road.
The harbour is due to be completed by 2020 after being sanctioned by Aberdeen Harbour Board in December – with hopes that the city could even host cruise ships once the work is finished.
At its peak 250 workers will be working on the project.
Betty Lyon, of Torry community council, said: “There will be all this disruption for a harbour that we don’t even know will be used properly.”
Torry and Ferryhill councillor Graham Dickson, who is standing down at the upcoming election, said: “It sounds like the residents of Torry will be facing years of misery from traffic and noise.
“We would not see this level of disruption put upon a more affluent part of the city.”
Fellow ward councillor Alan Donnelly echoed Mr Dickson, saying he was “concerned” about the quality of life for residents.
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “The contractor has provided a noise and vibration plan as part of the proposals.
“The plan details mitigation measures which will bring the noise emissions within acceptable levels.
“If following the implementation of these measures the noise levels are still unacceptable, then alternative mitigation measures could be implemented which include sound-proofing or temporary alternative accommodation.”
A harbour board spokes-woman said: “The facilities being developed over the next three years by Aberdeen Harbour Board, in partnership with its main contractor Dragados UK, will transform the port’s ability to accommodate the trend for larger vessels we are witnessing across a whole range of industries, and represents a step-change in the marine support capabilities in Scotland.”
