The Marr Area Committee meeting on Tuesday 18 August 2026 saw councillors grant planning permission for three wind turbines near Huntly, subject to a Section 75 agreement to keep a nearby dwelling unoccupied. The committee also approved an asset transfer request for the former Dee Street MUGA site in Banchory to Banchory Outdoor and Active, conditional on the group securing full capital funding for phase one of their development. Additionally, councillors agreed to commence the statutory procedure for a 40mph speed limit order on the B9002 near Kennethmont to facilitate a new shared-use path.

Wind Turbine Application near Huntly Approved

Councillors granted planning permission for three wind turbines, each with a hub height of 83 metres and a total height of 149.9 metres, located east of Chapelton Farm in Drumblade, Huntly. The decision was delegated to the Head of Planning and Economy, subject to the finalisation of a Section 75 agreement. This agreement will ensure that the dwellinghouse known as North Braehead remains unoccupied for the 35-year duration of the permission, addressing concerns about noise and shadow flicker. The application was called to committee due to objections from third parties and local ward members, who raised concerns about visual impact, cumulative impact, and potential effects on wildlife and water supplies.

Despite numerous objections from the public citing concerns about the visual impact on the landscape, cumulative effects, environmental damage, noise, and the scale of the turbines, the planning service recommended approval. They argued that the turbines' siting, particularly their proximity to the existing Glens of Foudland wind farm and the surrounding topography, would minimise visual impact. Mitigation measures for protected species and woodland loss were also deemed adequate, with conditions attached to ensure their implementation. The Section 75 agreement regarding North Braehead was considered crucial for addressing noise and shadow flicker concerns.

Councillor Gwyneth Petrie, who had referred the application to committee due to concerns about visual and cumulative impact, stated she was more reassured after seeing the visualisations and accepted the officer's recommendation to grant permission. Councillor Anouk Kloppert also supported the decision, highlighting the unique nature of the development and its economic benefits, while agreeing to conditions on tourist accommodation use and phasing. Councillor Ann Ross, while acknowledging the potential for precedent, supported the departure from policy based on the economic benefits and the integrated nature of the development.

Banchory Sports Facility Asset Transfer Approved

The Marr Area Committee approved the asset transfer request from Banchory Outdoor and Active (BOA) for the former all-weather pitch, tennis courts, bowling green, and pavilion on Dee Street, Banchory. The transfer is conditional on BOA securing 100% of the capital funding for phase one of their development, estimated at £535,000.

BOA plans to regenerate the site into a multi-sport facility, with phase one focusing on two covered padel courts. Subsequent phases include a multi-use games area, tennis courts, football pitches, and a new pavilion. The project aims to promote physical activity, community engagement, and economic benefits for Banchory.

The committee heard that the current facilities are dilapidated and underutilised, and that the community has expressed a strong demand for improved sports amenities. BOA's business plan outlines a robust funding strategy, and the project has received significant community and stakeholder support.

Councillor Jeff Goodhall, Vice-Chair, noted the positive community benefits and the phased approach to development. Councillor Sarah Brown supported the proposal, highlighting its potential to enhance community wellbeing and economic activity. Councillor Robbie Withey also expressed support, emphasizing the need for flexibility and the positive impact on the local economy.

A point of clarification was raised regarding the lack of a formal lease for the Banchory Bowling Club, which officers agreed to formalise as part of the process. The committee agreed to instruct the Area Manager to issue a positive decision notice and for Legal and People to conclude the transfer upon satisfaction of the conditions.

Kennethmont Speed Limit Review Approved

Councillors authorised the commencement of the statutory procedure to relocate the 40mph speed limit signs on the B9002 near Kennethmont. This is a necessary step to facilitate the safe transition between a new shared-use path and the existing road infrastructure. The path aims to improve active travel connectivity between Kennethmont School and Ardmore Cottage.

Wendy McLaren, Senior Engineer, explained that space constraints at the eastern end of the route near Ardmore Distillery necessitated a revised engineering approach. Extending the 40mph zone westward by approximately 41 metres would create the necessary space for a compliant and safe transition. The Road Safety Engineering Unit confirmed the viability of the scheme is contingent on this extension.

Councillor Gwyneth Petrie, a local ward member, expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting strong community support and the positive impact on safety. Councillor Jeff Goodhall echoed these sentiments, highlighting the long-standing push for such a facility and the positive progress. Councillor Robbie Withey also supported the proposal, acknowledging the work done by Councillor Jeff Goodhall and the late Councillor John Latham, who had championed the project for years.

The committee agreed to note the preliminary layout, authorise the commencement of the statutory procedure for the speed limit order, and noted that the Head of Legal and People is authorised to make the order if no objections are received. A further report will be submitted if valid objections are received or if proposals are amended.

Huntly Conservation Area Boundary Review Noted

The Marr Area Committee noted the outcome of the public consultation and the revised boundary for the Huntly Conservation Area. The review, initiated by a committee request in February 2023, aimed to reconsider the extent of the designation.

Cheryl Roberts-Nairn, Historic Environment Team Leader, presented the findings, explaining that while conservation areas are a national framework, community views were balanced against statutory duties. The public consultation revealed a broad spectrum of opinion, with nearly 57% having a positive feeling towards the proposals, but a significant portion (under 41%) disagreeing, often preferring a boundary restricted to The Square.

The revised boundary represents a substantial 43% reduction in the number of properties affected by the designation, removing 547 addresses. This was presented as a significant step taken in response to community feedback. Roberts-Nairn also highlighted that recent changes to permitted development rights have increased flexibility for works such as replacement windows and micro-renewables within conservation areas, addressing common community concerns.

However, the committee expressed strong concerns that the proposed boundary did not fully reflect the committee's and community's preference for a more restricted area around The Square. Councillor Robbie Withey questioned why the committee was only being asked to note the report when decisions on boundary variations are delegated to the Head of Planning and Economy. Councillor Ann Ross supported this, emphasizing the importance of local democracy and the ability for elected members to comment.

After extensive debate and legal advice, the committee agreed to note the consultation findings, the revised boundary, management plan, and appraisal. Crucially, they also agreed to request that the Head of Planning and Economy meet with Ward 14 Members prior to making a final decision on the boundary variation. This acknowledged the committee's desire to have their views formally considered before the delegated decision is made.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Performance Reports Noted

The committee received and noted the performance reports for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) for Quarter 4 of 2025/26 and Quarter 1 of 2026/27. The reports detailed trends in incidents, including a reduction in accidental dwelling fires but a slight increase in road traffic collisions (RTCs) in Quarter 4, linked to flooding. Quarter 1 saw a slight increase in accidental dwelling fires and a significant increase in deliberate fires, primarily related to grassland and woodland.

Councillor Jeff Goodall commented on the seemingly random nature of incidents, questioning if there were council actions that could further reduce fires and accidents. Station Commander Neil Mair acknowledged the difficulty in predicting all incidents but highlighted ongoing work on thematic action plans, particularly for wildfires and RTCs. Councillor Yi-Pei Chou Turvey raised concerns about the risk of wildfires caused by discarded cigarette butts, a point echoed by Councillor Geva Blackett regarding general disregard for fire warnings. Mair confirmed that while SFRS provides advice, controlling individual actions remains challenging.

Councillor Brown inquired about the evolving nature of water safety education, noting increased use of rivers by various groups. Mair explained that while SFRS attends incidents, specific data on inland river incidents is not a major trend, but proactive engagement occurs. Councillor Ross inquired about the establishment figures for the Marr area, and Mair confirmed they remained stable from the previous quarter, with new recruits expected.

Regarding the Cairngorms wildfire, Mair stated he could not comment on the specific incident until its conclusion but noted the significant impact on the service and the ongoing review of employer support and firefighter contracts. He also mentioned improved management of resources through cluster groups compared to previous incidents. Councillor Ross asked generic questions about firefighter equipment for wildfires and whether SFRS feeds back to government on land management and muirburn licences. Mair confirmed that specific wildfire PPE is under review and procurement, and that while SFRS advises on fire safety risk assessments, engagement on muirburn licences is a government matter. Councillor Goodall and Councillor Ross thanked the SFRS for their work and urged for lessons learned to be passed to the Scottish Government. Councillor Blackett also raised concerns about the need for adequate equipment and preparedness for various emergencies.

Outbuilding Application at 1 Flory Gardens, Huntly Approved

The committee unanimously approved the application for a detached garage/storage building at 1 Flory Gardens, Huntly. The Senior Planner, Graham Hannaford, presented the application, noting that while the building's scale would typically be permitted development, permitted development rights had been removed from the site. Concerns raised in objections primarily related to neighbouring impact, visual appearance, and potential commercial use.

Hannaford explained that the building was intended for domestic ancillary use, specifically for storing motorcycles, and was not for commercial purposes. He addressed concerns about overlooking, overshadowing, and noise, stating that the building's design and orientation would minimise these impacts. He also noted that the proposed building's height would be comparable to existing sheds in the area and would likely improve privacy by reducing visibility into neighbouring properties.

Councillor Gwyneth Petrie, who had referred the application to committee due to initial concerns about its size and location, stated she was reassured after seeing the visualisations and hearing the officer's explanation. She agreed that there were no grounds for refusal, given the proximity of similar-height buildings and the lack of overlooking. Councillor Blackett, as Chair, also expressed contentment with the proposal and the officer's recommendation.

Other Items

The committee also noted the statement of outstanding business, with an update on the Huntly one-way system indicating it was in place and awaiting unveiling. An item regarding winter tyres on school transport was added to the outstanding business for monitoring. Concerns were raised about the accuracy of nursery and childminder figures in an Education and Children's Services report, with a request for further clarification.

The committee also agreed to note the contents of the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Performance Report for the Strategic Delivery Plan, and to provide feedback on local health and social care service delivery issues.

Finally, the committee agreed to note the proposed sale of the former Alford Area Office and 7 Murray Terrace, Alford, with a request for officers to consider a shorter long stop for sale completion. They also approved an ACT2 application for funding for an individual and an organisation.