Landowners should claim Aberdeen bypass compensation

Landowners affected by the planned Aberdeen bypass should put in claims for 90% advance compensation, say advisers.

Less than half those entitled to do so have made claims, said Larry Irwin of Strutt & Parker, Banchory.

In January, Transport Scotland took ownership of more than 400 properties including 1,400 acres of land needed to construct the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. This has been done through a legal process in documents known as general vesting declarations.

Most of the landowners were still farming the land although not under any formal agreement and there were a number of practical issues to be taken into account aside from the compensation, said Mr Irwin.

“Affected owners can claim 90% of the provisional value calculated by the District Valuations Office. It is important to note that this does not prejudice any further claim negotiations.

“Now that Transport Scotland has title to the land in question, previous owners are at a disadvantage if they do not claim as they no longer own the land or have any rights over it. They will not receive any compensation unless they submit their 90-day notice form.” The 90-day notice form begins the compensation process.

While no interest was payable on the compensation, it would help farm businesses to have the 90% advance payment in the bank or to use in order to find replacement land, said Mr Irwin.

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