Major infrastructure projects can have significant implications for landowners, property developers and businesses located along or close to a proposed or existing route. The Western Peripheral Route, particularly the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR), is an important example of major transport infrastructure affecting land use, connectivity and development.
The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is a 58km road scheme around Aberdeen, connecting key parts of the region while providing an alternative route for traffic travelling around the city. The project includes multiple junctions, new roads and associated infrastructure.
For property owners and developers, understanding how major infrastructure interacts with planning and land rights can be important when considering development opportunities or restrictions affecting a property.
What Is the Western Peripheral Route?
The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) was developed to provide a bypass around Aberdeen and improve connections between major routes in the north-east of Scotland.
The route forms part of the wider transport network and was designed to remove traffic from congested city routes and unsuitable rural roads while improving connections around the region.
The project includes approximately 58km of new road, 12 junctions, numerous associated structures and connections to the existing road network.
The scheme fully opened to traffic on 19 February 2019.
How Can a Peripheral Route Affect Property?
Major transport infrastructure can affect property in different ways depending on its location and relationship with the route.
Potential considerations include:
- Changes to access arrangements
- New or altered junctions
- Land acquisition
- Changes to surrounding land use
- Development opportunities
- Planning constraints
- Changes to traffic patterns
- Environmental considerations
- Rights affecting land and property
- Infrastructure-related development proposals
The effect on an individual property will depend on its location, the relevant planning framework and the specific infrastructure proposals affecting the surrounding area.
Western Peripheral Route and Planning
Major transport infrastructure is generally considered within the wider planning framework for the area.
For landowners considering development near major infrastructure, it is important to consider the relevant local development plan, planning policies and any infrastructure proposals affecting the site.
The AWPR was considered as part of the strategic transport network for the north-east and was incorporated into relevant transport and planning considerations during its development.
A proposed development may therefore need to take account of:
Access and Highways
Planning applications can require consideration of how a development will connect to the existing road network and whether proposed access arrangements are appropriate.
Land and Property Rights
Infrastructure projects can interact with ownership boundaries, access rights, easements and other interests affecting land.
Environmental Considerations
Large-scale infrastructure can involve environmental assessment and considerations relating to landscape, ecology, drainage and surrounding land uses.
Development Potential
Improved transport connections can influence development patterns, but individual development proposals remain subject to the applicable planning policies and permissions.
Can Infrastructure Affect Planning Permission?
The presence of a major road or infrastructure project does not automatically prevent development.
However, its location and operation may be relevant to the assessment of a planning application.
A planning authority may need to consider matters such as:
- Highway safety
- Traffic generation
- Access
- Noise
- Air quality
- Environmental effects
- Landscape impact
- Compatibility with planning policy
The precise considerations will depend on the proposed development and its location.
Landowners and Infrastructure Projects
Landowners affected by major infrastructure may need advice on a range of planning and property matters.
This can include understanding how proposed works interact with land ownership, development plans, access arrangements and existing property rights.
Where infrastructure affects development land, early professional advice can help identify potential planning or property issues before significant investment is made.
Development Near Major Roads
If you own land close to the Western Peripheral Route or another major transport corridor, proposed development may require careful consideration of the site’s relationship with surrounding infrastructure.
For example, an owner considering residential, commercial or mixed-use development may need to assess:
- Existing access
- Proposed access
- Highways requirements
- Planning policy
- Site constraints
- Environmental considerations
- Infrastructure capacity
- Rights affecting the property
A planning consultant or property specialist can help assess these matters before a planning application is prepared.
How Charrette Law Can Help
Major infrastructure and property development often involve overlapping planning and legal considerations.
At Charrette Law, we provide planning and property-related advice for landowners, developers and property owners dealing with development proposals, planning applications, infrastructure issues and land-related matters.
Our services can assist with planning strategy, development considerations and property issues affecting land and proposed projects.
If your property or development site is affected by the Western Peripheral Route or other major infrastructure, obtaining professional advice at an early stage can help you understand the relevant planning and property considerations.
Contact Charrette Law to discuss your planning, development or property requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Western Peripheral Route?
The term commonly refers to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR), a 58km road scheme around Aberdeen designed to provide a bypass and improve connections across the north-east of Scotland.
When did the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route open?
The AWPR/Balmedie to Tipperty project fully opened to traffic on 19 February 2019.
Can a major road affect planning permission?
Major roads and infrastructure can be relevant to planning applications, particularly in relation to highways, access, environmental impacts, noise and development constraints.
Can infrastructure affect land development?
Yes. Infrastructure can affect access, land use, property rights and the planning considerations associated with development. The effect depends on the individual site and the infrastructure involved.
Do I need planning advice for development near a major road?
Professional planning advice can be useful where a development site is close to major infrastructure, particularly where access, highways, environmental or policy considerations may affect the proposal.
