The Buchan Area Committee met on Tuesday 23 June 2026, discussing planning applications, service performance, and future work programmes. Key decisions included the refusal of two planning applications for new dwellinghouses in Hatton and St Fergus due to policy conflicts, the approval of the Landscape Services Works Programme for 2026/27, and acknowledgement of progress on major projects in Peterhead, including the Community Campus and Cultural Quarter.

Planning Application Refused: Site Adjacent to Wester Brae, Hatton

The committee refused full planning permission for a dwellinghouse at Site Adjacent to Wester Brae, Hatton. The primary reasons for refusal were that the proposal was on greenfield land in the Accessible Rural Area and did not meet any of the exceptions outlined in national and local development plans, thus failing to justify the principle of development. Furthermore, the application did not adequately address climate and nature crisis policies due to its reliance on private car use and lack of sustainable transport options. Insufficient detail on landscaping, biodiversity enhancement, and outdated drainage information also contributed to the refusal.

Planning Application Refused: Land at Botany View, St Fergus

Full planning permission was refused for a dwellinghouse at Land at Botany View, St Fergus. The refusal was based on the proposed dwelling's scale, design, and height being out of character with the surrounding area, which is predominantly characterised by single-storey bungalow-style homes. The contemporary, three-storey design was deemed to have an unacceptable visual and landscape impact, particularly from the A90 and the northern approach to the village. The application also failed to demonstrate compliance with landscape policies due to the scale and design, and the proposed development was considered to be at odds with the established vernacular of the area.

Environment & Infrastructure Services Performance Report Q3/Q4

Alan Wood, Director of Environment and Infrastructure Services, presented a positive performance report for the Buchan area, indicating that all ten reported performance indicators were achieving their target levels. Performance remained strong across the council priorities of a sustainable economy, connected communities, and living well locally. Specific highlights included efficient planning application determination times, timely street lighting fault repairs, and improving homelessness resolution times. Tenant arrears and void rent loss were also comfortably within target levels.

Landscape Services Works Programme 2026/27

Oliver Deeming, Principal Landscape Officer, and John Sibbert, Landscape Services Officer, presented the proposed Landscape Services Works Programme for 2026/27. The programme aims to balance the needs of park users with biodiversity enhancement and public realm improvements. The council is working with local community groups, such as Friends of Arden and the Men's Shed, to deliver works and enhance service levels. The report detailed budget allocations for various areas, including burial grounds, country parks, and parks and open spaces. Councillors raised questions about the cost of wildflower planting and loose play surfaces, receiving explanations regarding the expense of materials and the need for ongoing maintenance. Concerns were also raised about the council's use of weed killer and the potential for miscommunication regarding verge maintenance, which officers agreed to investigate. The committee approved the proposed revenue budget allocations.

Update - Peterhead Projects

Amanda Roe, Buchan Area Manager, provided an update on key Aberdeenshire Council-led projects in Peterhead, focusing on the Peterhead Community Campus and the Peterhead Cultural Quarter. Construction is underway for the Community Campus at Kinmundy, with key milestones including the core path diversion and foundation work. A community benefits package, including apprenticeships and work experience placements, is linked to the construction programme. Updates were also provided on active travel routes and the Buchanhaven School street safety scheme. For the Cultural Quarter, the museum and library project at Arbuthnot House has entered the construction phase, with traffic management in place. A local stakeholder group is being established to gather local views. The report also noted the decision not to proceed with the planned refurbishment of the Carnegie Building, with officers exploring future funding opportunities for the building. The committee acknowledged the updates on both projects.

Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report 2025/2026

Theresa Wood, Area Committee Officer, presented the Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report for 2025/2026. The report highlighted the committee's scrutiny activities over the past year, including performance monitoring, policy reviews, and informal sessions. The committee noted its engagement with various service performance reports and its role in scrutinising partner organisations. The report also detailed the committee's use of informal meetings, ward meetings, and meetings with the Area Manager to delve deeper into specific issues. The committee was asked to consider and comment on the report and submit any topics for future scrutiny. Councillor Simpson raised a query about a figure in a table, which was clarified by officers. Councillor Powell discussed the use of Member Promoted Issues, and it was agreed to arrange an informal session to provide further information on the process.

Planning Application Reference No: APP/2025/1810 - Erection of Dwellinghouse at Site Adjacent to Wester Brae, Hatton, Peterhead

The committee considered the planning application for a dwellinghouse at Site Adjacent to Wester Brae, Hatton. The Senior Planning Officer, Sally Wood, presented the report, outlining the reasons for refusal. The principle of development was not established as the site is greenfield land in the Accessible Rural Area and does not meet the criteria for new housing. The proposal also conflicted with policies on climate change, biodiversity, and outdated drainage information. The agent, Mr. Philip Baxter, argued that a lawful start had been made on the site and that the proposed dwelling represented an improvement on the original approved design. Following extensive debate, including clarification on planning permission expiry dates and the process for establishing a lawful start, the committee voted to grant full planning permission on a delegated basis, subject to conditions. This decision was made despite the officer's recommendation for refusal, with councillors citing the planning history and evidence of work having commenced as material considerations.

Planning Application Reference No: APP/2025/1732 - Erection of Dwellinghouse at Land at Botany View, St Fergus, Peterhead

The committee discussed the planning application for a dwellinghouse at Land at Botany View, St Fergus. Sally Wood, Senior Planning Officer, presented the report, highlighting that while technical matters such as drainage and biodiversity had been addressed, the application was recommended for refusal due to its design, scale, and landscape impact. The proposed contemporary, three-storey dwelling was considered out of keeping with the surrounding area's traditional bungalow-style homes and would have an unacceptable visual impact. Councillors James and McMillan spoke in favour of the application, arguing that the scale and design were in keeping with neighbouring properties and that the protected land offered mitigation for landscape impact. They moved to grant permission as a departure from policy, which was seconded by Councillor McMillan. The committee agreed to delegate the grant of full planning permission with usual conditions, including developer obligations.

Environment & Infrastructure Services Performance Report Q3/Q4

Alan Wood, Director of Environment and Infrastructure Services, presented the performance report for Q3/Q4, highlighting strong performance across all indicators. The committee noted the positive results and made no further comments.

Landscape Services Works Programme 2026/27

Oliver Deeming and John Sibbert presented the Landscape Services Works Programme for 2026/27. The committee approved the proposed revenue budget allocations for various projects, including burial grounds, country parks, and parks and open spaces. Councillors raised questions about specific costs, such as wildflower planting and loose play surfaces, and concerns about weed killer use and verge maintenance.

Update - Peterhead Projects

Amanda Roe, Buchan Area Manager, provided an update on the Peterhead Community Campus and Cultural Quarter projects. Construction is underway for the Community Campus, with a community benefits package in place. The Cultural Quarter project, including the museum and library at Arbuthnot House, has also entered the construction phase. The committee acknowledged the updates on both projects.

Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report 2025/2026

Theresa Wood, Buchan Area Committee Officer, presented the Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report. The committee considered the report and was asked to submit any topics for future scrutiny. Councillor Simpson raised a query about a figure in a table, and Councillor Powell discussed the use of Member Promoted Issues, with an agreement to arrange an informal session for further information. The committee acknowledged the report and agreed to submit topics for future scrutiny.