The Garioch Area Committee meeting on Tuesday 25 August 2026 discussed a planning application for an extension to Hillhead Caravan Park in Kintore, which was ultimately refused due to concerns about residential amenity and road safety. The committee also considered and approved a planning application for an extension to the yard area of Clancool Refrigeration Ltd in Midmill Business Park, Kintore, and reviewed the Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report for 2025-26.

Hillhead Caravan Park Planning Application Refused

The committee refused full planning permission for an extension to Hillhead Caravan Park in Kintore, which proposed the erection of 13 holiday lodges, an amenity building, and 12 mobile caravan pitching sites. The decision followed extensive debate and a site visit by councillors.

Concerns were raised regarding the impact on the amenity of the neighbouring property, Hillhead Croft, which would be significantly enclosed by the development. Councillors also expressed reservations about road safety, particularly the proposed one-way system on the access road which would also serve as a two-way access for Hillhead Croft residents. The effectiveness of the proposed landscaping buffer was also questioned, with concerns that it would take many years to establish and could be removed.

Councillor Jim Gifford moved an amendment to refuse the application, citing unacceptable impacts on the amenity of Hillhead Croft and contravention of Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan (ALDP) policies P1 and RD1, and National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) policy 14. This amendment was seconded by Councillor Dominic Lonchay and was carried by 8 votes to 7.

Clancool Refrigeration Ltd Yard Extension Approved

The committee granted full planning permission for the extension of the yard area and the erection of fencing, walls, and gates for Clancool Refrigeration Ltd at Buchanan House, Midmill Business Park, Kintore. This decision represents a departure from Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan (ALDP) Policy PR1 (Protecting Important Resources) and NPF4 Policy 20 (Blue and Green Infrastructure) due to the loss of open space.

However, the planning service considered the loss of open space acceptable as it functions more as a green buffer than a recreational area, and a similar buffer remains on the opposite side of Tumulus Way. The expansion of the business on land allocated for employment uses was deemed to align with ALDP Policy B2 (Employment/Business Land) and NPF4 Policy 26 (Business and industry). The proposed boundary treatments were considered acceptable and in keeping with the industrial estate character. Biodiversity enhancements and compensatory tree planting were also noted as positive aspects.

Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report 2025-26 Reviewed

The committee reviewed the Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report for 2025-26, which detailed the scrutiny activities undertaken by the committee over the past year and outlined the proposed scrutiny programme for the coming year. Councillors were asked to comment on the report and agree the future programme.

The report highlighted various formal scrutiny activities, including reviews of performance reports, policy development, and budget monitoring. Examples of areas where the committee had added value included the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2029 Evidence Report, the Inverurie Place Based Review, and various service performance reports. Informal scrutiny activities, such as seminars and ward meetings, were also detailed, with feedback from these sessions included in Appendix 2. The committee noted the ongoing work on the provision of toilets in Council buildings, the petition regarding Burn Lane Car Park in Inverurie, and the programme of future scrutiny activity for 2026-27.

Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership Performance Report Noted

The committee noted the contents of the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership (AHSCP) Performance Report for the Strategic Delivery Plan 2025/26 – 2028/29. The report provided an update on the partnership's first quarterly performance report and included local health and social care issues and priorities for the Garioch area.

Key successes highlighted included the CORTI voice recognition pilot at Donbank Ward, Inverurie Hospital, and positive Care Inspectorate reports for services including Central Aberdeenshire Care at Home and Pleyfauld House Very Sheltered Housing. Areas for improvement and development included ongoing work at Ashcroft and Insch, and managing staffing challenges within community teams. The report also detailed progress on the Aberdeenshire Adult Carer Strategy and the Home First Discharge Without Delay initiative.

Responses to Previous Queries Noted

The committee noted the responses to queries previously raised regarding Education and Children's Services, Environment and Infrastructure Services, and Business Services. These responses provided clarifications on data discrepancies, benchmarking, attainment gaps, the condition of LLA buildings, void rent loss, and the processing of grants and benefits.

The meeting also included the formal business of declarations of interest, the public sector equality duty, and the approval of minutes from the previous meeting. The committee also considered the Statement of Outstanding Business.