The Buchan Area Committee met on Tuesday 21 April 2026 to discuss a range of important local issues. Key decisions included the refusal of planning permission for four holiday units near Strichen due to environmental and accessibility concerns, and the approval of planning permission in principle for the onshore infrastructure for the Buchan Offshore Wind Farm, subject to stringent conditions. The committee also agreed to allocate funding for several coastal community projects and discussed the ongoing development of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan.

Planning Application Refused: Holiday Units near Strichen

The committee refused full planning permission for the erection of four holiday units at a site to the south east of Borrohill, Strichen. The decision was based on several policy conflicts, including the permanent removal of woodland, fragmentation of the wider woodland block, and the introduction of built development into an established woodland area, which was contrary to national and local planning policies protecting forestry and woodland. Furthermore, the site's remote location, over 2km from the nearest settlement services and public transport, resulted in a high reliance on car dependency, conflicting with policies promoting sustainable transport and 20-minute neighbourhoods. The proposal was also deemed to have an unacceptable impact on the local landscape character and failed to demonstrate sufficient public benefits or a sequential site selection process.

Planning Permission in Principle Granted: Buchan Offshore Wind Onshore Infrastructure

The committee granted planning permission in principle for the onshore transmission infrastructure for the Buchan Offshore Wind Farm. This significant project involves the landfall point at Rattray Bay, a cable route corridor, and the erection of a substation southwest of Peterhead to connect to the national grid. While the principle of the development was supported due to its national development status and contribution to renewable energy targets, the approval is subject to numerous stringent conditions. These conditions, to be detailed in a future Matters Specified in Conditions (MSC) application, aim to mitigate potential impacts on ecology, ornithology, hydrology, archaeology, landscape, visual amenity, noise, traffic, air quality, and agricultural land. Key conditions include the provision of detailed landscape mitigation plans, a comprehensive Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP), and specific measures to protect private water supplies and sensitive bird habitats, particularly around the Loch of Strathbeg SPA. Concerns were raised regarding procedural aspects of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, with objectors requesting a pause to address alleged breaches in consultation and transparency. However, the planning service concluded that the process followed was compliant and that any residual impacts could be managed through conditions.

Coastal Community Funding Approved

The committee agreed to allocate £60,705.02 from the Crown Estate Scotland Fund for several coastal community projects in Buchan. These include:

• Whinnyfold Coastal Path Improvements (£23,890): To enhance the existing pathway from Whinnyfold to Cruden Bay beach.
• Buchan Wave Classic 2027 (£2,900): To support youth and adult wave taster sessions and event promotion.
• Cruden Bay Congregational Church Community Hub (£10,000): For internal modifications to create a multi-use community space.
• Victoria Park CCTV Enhancement (£5,000): To upgrade the CCTV system for improved coverage.
• Peterhead Sailing Club Kitchen Project (£5,000): To modernise and improve the accessibility of the clubhouse kitchen.
• Port Errol Harbour Equipment and Maintenance Storage Containers (£5,000): To replace existing storage units with secure shipping containers.
• Russell Street Community Garden Roofed Outdoor Structure (£5,000): To install a sheltered outdoor space.
• Wingfoiling Growth (£3,915.02): To purchase equipment for wider participation in wingfoiling.

The committee also noted that £58,256.01 remains to be allocated and agreed to delegate the award of further commissions to the Buchan Area Manager, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair. Expressions of interest were also noted for projects including facility expansion for Peterhead Men's Shed and dugout and floodlighting for Buchanhaven Hearts.

Draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026 Discussed

The committee considered the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026, which outlines the timetable for the production of the next Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan, due for adoption in 2029. While the overall programme remains on track, some slippage has occurred due to the extension of the Call for Ideas consultation and the resubmission of the Evidence Report to the Gate Check process. The committee was informed about the extensive engagement undertaken, including public events, community council meetings, and sessions with young people and hard-to-reach groups. The scheme details the process for analysing submissions, drafting the Proposed Local Development Plan, and subsequent public consultation and examination. The committee was asked to provide comments on the draft scheme for reporting to the Infrastructure Services Committee.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Performance Report Reviewed

The committee received and discussed the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service performance report for Quarter 3 (October to December 2025). The report indicated a decrease in overall incidents compared to the previous quarter and the same quarter in the previous year, with a notable reduction in fire-related incidents. However, building fires saw an increase. Deliberate fires significantly decreased, and the service is planning educational sessions in schools to address this. Road traffic collisions remain a concern, with ongoing liaison with Police Scotland for road safety initiatives. The report also highlighted the continued success of Home Fire Safety Visits and fire safety enforcement audits. The committee thanked Matthew Cowes from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for his presentation.

Other Matters

The committee also noted updates on various outstanding business items, including progress on the Peterhead Community Campus and Cultural Quarter projects, and the annual procurement plan for the Environment and Infrastructure Directorate. Declarations of interest were made by Councillor Beagrie regarding item 5, and Councillor Simpson declared an interest in item 8. The committee also observed a minute's silence in memory of former Councillor George Hall.