The Buchan Area Committee met on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, to discuss a range of local issues. Key decisions included the approval to commence statutory procedures for new waiting restrictions on Meethill Road in Peterhead to facilitate a new pedestrian crossing, and the delegated grant of planning permission for a retrospective change of use application at Mains of Park, Lonmay, to a vehicle repair business. The committee also received updates on the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership's performance and progress on major projects in Peterhead.

Pride of Buchan Awards and Community News

The meeting began with the nomination of three individuals for the Pride of Buchan Awards: Christine Moyer, for her dedication to founding and leading the Mintlaw Cancer Support Group; Terry Moran, for her long-standing commitment to making the Alville Hotel in Peterhead a welcoming place and for her support of numerous charities; and Natty Porter, for his many years of service to Peterhead Football Club and the wider community, including initiating free community Christmas lunches.

Several positive news stories were shared, highlighting local achievements over the summer. These included recognition for the Scottish Week Best of Buchan Awards, the success of Dance Choice Studio from Peterhead, and Farmly being named Egg Packer of the Year. The committee also celebrated the success of local events such as Wildemount Adden, the New Deer Show, and Peterhead Scottish Week. Peterhead Football Club celebrated its 125th anniversary, and the Peterhead Youth Volunteer Scheme achieved first and second place wins at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services National Youth Volunteer Scheme Games. Peterhead United officially opened their new premises, and Peterhead Academy Netball team won the Aberdeenshire Schools Championship. Councillor Matthew James was also congratulated on graduating from the University of Aberdeen School of Law with distinction. Councillor Simpson added that Peterhead Academy and Mintlaw Academy had achieved their best exam results in many years, and letters of congratulations would be sent to the schools.

Statement of Outstanding Business

Theresa Wood, Area Committee Officer, provided an update on the statement of outstanding business. She noted that actions 526 A and B, and action 926 were recommended for removal. Amanda Roe, Buchan Area Manager, acknowledged a delay in circulating the backdated project tracker, which she had been revisiting to ensure clarity.

Planning Application: Mains of Park, Lonmay, Fraserburgh

The committee considered a retrospective planning application for a change of use from agricultural to a vehicle repair business (Class 5) at Mains of Park, Lonmay, Fraserburgh. Sally Wood, Senior Planning Officer, presented the application, highlighting that while there were no objections from statutory consultees, officers recommended refusal. The key issues were the principle of locating a Class 5 business in the countryside, the justification of alternative sites, the redundancy of the agricultural building, and compliance with sustainable city objectives. Officers considered there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate the building was no longer required for agricultural purposes and that the proposal conflicted with objectives of local living and sustainable accessibility.

Mr. Ryan Mowat, representing Victoria Group Ltd, and Mr. Ryan Achard from Baxter Design Company, addressed the committee. They argued that they had undertaken a detailed sequential assessment of employment land and found no suitable alternatives. They also contended that the agricultural building was redundant, having been sold by the previous owner who no longer needed it. They highlighted that the site was geographically central to their customer base and well-connected to the A952.

Councillor Peter Chapman proposed a motion to accept the application as a departure, citing that the building was proven to be redundant for agricultural use, the site was well-connected by bus services, and the applicants had extensively searched for suitable sites in nearby towns and villages without success. Councillor Geoff Crowson seconded the motion. After discussion, including clarification from Maureen Stephenson, Principal Solicitor, regarding the distinction between a departure and compliance with policy, Councillor Chapman reworded his motion to state that the application complied with policy, as he believed the building was redundant and the site was well-connected. The motion was for a delegated grant to the Head of Planning and Environmental Services, subject to relevant conditions. Councillor James raised a point of clarification regarding the land use class itself, irrespective of the individuals using it, and the need for sensible conditions such as operating hours. The committee agreed to the delegated grant of full planning permission for the reasons given.

U190B Meethill Road, Peterhead – At Any Time Waiting Restrictions

John Sharp, Principal Roads Engineer, and Jamie Douglas, Civil Engineer, presented a report seeking approval to commence statutory procedures for introducing 'at any time' waiting restrictions on Meethill Road, Peterhead. These restrictions are necessary to facilitate the delivery of a new controlled pedestrian crossing and to ensure compliance with current standards. The proposals also address an existing issue with non-compliant School Keep Clear markings outside the school entrance. Councillor Stephen Smith expressed his pleasure that the proposals were moving forward and urged adherence to the October holiday timeline for construction. The committee recommended approving the commencement of statutory procedures and, in principle, the subsequent making of the order, subject to no valid objections being received.

Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership Performance Report

Alex Ferry, Strategy Transformational Officer, Ryan McGregor, Mental Health and Learning Disability Manager, and Angela McLeod, Programme Manager, presented the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Performance Report for the Strategic Delivery Plan 2025/26 – 2028/29. Angela McLeod provided an overview of the strategic plan, developed following the Integration Joint Board's approval of the new 10-year strategic plan, and highlighted key developments including the completion of Phase 1 of the Community Hospital Strategic Review, the approval of the new Adult Carer Strategy, and progress on the strategic review of care homes and very sheltered housing. Alex Ferry then provided a local update for the Buchan area, highlighting positive inspections for the North Aberdeenshire Care at Home Service and Abbey Court, very sheltered housing in Mintlaw. He also provided an update on the busy mental health and learning disability services, and shared information on the drug and alcohol service in Peterhead, noting a recent increase in non-fatal overdoses but also the highest number of residential rehabilitation approvals.

Councillor Hannah Powell raised concerns about delayed discharges and asked if geographical issues were being identified and if there were difficulties communicating with GP services. Jennifer Walker, Location Manager, responded that delayed discharges were complex and multifaceted, but that district nursing and GP cover were not generally an issue. Councillor Alan Buchan congratulated the staff on the positive inspection reports. Councillor Colin Simpson inquired about the Care Inspectorate's inspection process. Councillor Powell also highlighted concerns about GP services in central Buchan and asked for an update on the Learning Day centres. Ryan McGregor provided an update on the day services, stating that individuals had settled into new opportunities or continued to access existing services. Councillor Stephen Smith asked for an update on the Adult ADHD and Autism Service, where the waiting list had been suspended. Ryan McGregor confirmed that the waiting list was closed due to GDPR issues and that there was a gap in assessment services, though signposting was available. Alex Ferry added that the Scottish Government was working on an adult neurodevelopmental route map. Councillor Chapman requested further information on drug and alcohol issues in the North East corner, and Councillor Angus Matheson asked about the rollout of naloxone training. Ryan McGregor agreed to provide a detailed briefing on drug and alcohol issues and the situation at Willowbank. The committee recommended noting the contents of the report and providing feedback on local health and social care service delivery issues.

Update – Peterhead Projects

Amanda Roe, Area Manager, presented an update on key Aberdeenshire Council-led projects in Peterhead, including the Peterhead Community Campus and the Peterhead Cultural Quarter. She reported that financial close had been achieved for the Community Campus, with enabling works underway and construction progressing well, with an anticipated occupation date of August 2028. For the Peterhead Cultural Quarter, construction work at Arbuthnot House was underway, with demolitions largely complete and restoration activity progressing. The committee noted the progress of these projects and requested continued updates. Councillor Anne Simpson inquired about progress on Site 2 of the Community Campus, and Councillor Matthew James emphasized the importance of careful community engagement. The committee recommended acknowledging the updates on the Peterhead Community Campus and the Peterhead Cultural Quarter.

The public part of the meeting concluded, and the committee moved to consider exempt business in private.