This week in Aberdeenshire:

Housing Development in Fraserburgh Gets Green Light, But Affordable Homes Take Priority

A significant housing development planned for Curtin Heights, Boothby Road, Fraserburgh has been granted planning permission, paving the way for 175 new homes. The Banff and Buchan Area Committee approved the plans, which include both open market and affordable housing. Crucially, the developers, Kirkwood Homes, have committed to building the affordable homes early in the development process, a move welcomed by councillors who highlighted the high demand for social housing in Fraserburgh.

The development, which includes 132 open market homes and 43 affordable units, will be delivered in partnership with Osprey Housing Association. The affordable homes are set to be built from the start of the project, with a projected handover in 2027. This commitment addresses a key concern for councillors, who noted the importance of providing much-needed social housing. The plans also include significant green space and improved access, with a new entrance onto Boothby Road.

While the development was largely unopposed, with no written objections received, the committee did impose conditions. These include the conclusion of a Section 75 agreement to secure developer obligations and the delivery of affordable housing, alongside specific conditions related to servicing and biodiversity net gain. The decision to grant permission was delegated to the Head of Planning and Economy, ensuring these crucial elements are finalised.

• Read more about the Fraserburgh housing development: APP 2025 1683 - Erection of 175 dwelling houses and associated infrastructure at Curtin Heights, Boothby Road, Fraserburgh

Pennant Conservation Area Review Sparks Debate on Community Needs vs. Heritage Protection

The future of the Pennant Conservation Area was a focal point for the Banff and Buchan Area Committee this week, as they discussed management proposals for the area. While the committee approved the conservation area appraisal and action plan, the debate highlighted a tension between preserving heritage and addressing the community's pressing concerns about sustainability and infrastructure.

Councillor Glen Reynolds voiced strong concerns that Pennant had been let down by the council, citing a perceived lack of enforcement and enhancement schemes, particularly regarding the deteriorating seawall, known locally as the Bankhead. He argued that the community's priority is the sustainability of Pennant, pointing to risks from soil slippage and the seawall's condition as more urgent than building materials.

Alistair Mackenzie, a local homeowner, echoed these concerns, stating that the community's desire to rescind conservation area status had not been fully represented in consultations. He emphasized that the community's priority is the sustainability of Pennant, citing soil slippage and the seawall as major risks.

However, Andrew Noble, a former resident, argued for retaining conservation status, stating that residents should abide by planning laws. He contested claims that nothing had been done to the Bankhead since the 1950s, referencing a village improvement scheme in the late 1980s.

Ultimately, the committee approved the management proposals, including the continued use of Article 4 directions and noting the legal status of the Bankhead. An additional recommendation was added, asking officers to clarify the legal status of the Bankhead and provide a report on its maintenance. Councillor Reynolds also successfully proposed that the action plan should be broadened to address wider challenges facing Pennant, a move that acknowledges the community's concerns about the area's future viability.

• Explore the Pennant Conservation Area proposals: Pennant Conservation Area Review

Retaining Wall and Decking Approved Despite Being Retrospective

The Marr Area Committee approved a retrospective planning application for a retaining wall and decking at 2 Allachlade Court, Aboyne. While retrospective applications are generally disliked, officers recommended approval due to the applicant's urgent need to address embankment slippage and subsidence.

A neighbour had raised concerns about the design, visual impact, and road safety. However, officers concluded that the visual impact was low, the road was not a high-speed route, and pedestrian and road safety issues were minimal. The committee acknowledged the retrospective nature of the application but agreed that planning permission should be granted, recognizing the applicant's need to resolve the embankment issues.

• See the details of the Aboyne planning application: Retrospective Planning Application for Retaining Wall and Decking

Other Matters

• Draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026: Both the Marr and Banff and Buchan Area Committees received updates on the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026. This scheme outlines the timetable for the next Local Development Plan, with an anticipated adoption date of 2029. Extensive community engagement has taken place, with further analysis and consultation planned. The process is ongoing, with a proposed LDP expected for public consultation in winter 2027.

  • Marr Area Committee discussion
  • Banff and Buchan Area Committee discussion

• Coastal Communities Fund: The Banff and Buchan Area Committee reviewed applications for the Coastal Communities Fund, which had received £100,000 from Ocean Winds. With 23 applications totalling over £331,000, the committee faced difficult decisions, ultimately allocating funds to various community projects, with some awards being pro-rata due to oversubscription. Key beneficiaries included the Banff Castle Community Association, Fraserburgh Cricket Club, and Gardenstown Village Action Committee.

  • Details of Coastal Communities Fund awards

• Pennant Conservation Area - Legal Status of Bankhead: During the discussion on the Pennant Conservation Area, a significant debate arose regarding the legal status and maintenance responsibilities of the Bankhead seawall. The committee added a recommendation for officers to clarify the legal ownership and provide a report on the seawall's maintenance, acknowledging the community's concerns about its condition and the need for enhancement.

  • Further discussion on the Bankhead seawall

• 70 Church Street, Portsoy - Alteration and Extension: The Banff and Buchan Area Committee deferred a decision on a planning application for alterations and extensions to a dwelling house at 70 Church Street, Portsoy. The deferral was for a site visit, following concerns raised about the potential impact of the extension on neighbouring amenity, particularly regarding overlooking and overbearing aspects.

  • Portsoy planning application deferred

• 1 Braeheads, White Hills - Erection of Fence: The Banff and Buchan Area Committee granted planning permission for a 1.8-metre high slatted timber fence at 1 Braeheads, White Hills. The decision was made as a departure from policy HE2, with a condition that the colour of the fence be mutually agreed between the applicant and the planning service, acknowledging the presence of other wooden structures in the vicinity and the secluded nature of the area.

  • White Hills fence application approved

• Tackling Poverty and Inequalities Budget: The Communities Committee agreed to the proposed Fair Aberdeenshire budget allocation for 2026-27, with a focus on reducing child poverty, financial inclusion, food security, digital inclusion, and information and advice services. The committee noted the significant financial gains for clients, exceeding £9 million, and discussed strategies for addressing fuel poverty amidst rising global energy costs. The allocation aims to maximize impact and leverage external funding, with a commitment to ongoing collaboration and support for vulnerable households.

  • Fair Aberdeenshire budget details

• Live Life Aberdeenshire Estates Plan: An update on the Live Life Aberdeenshire Estates Plan for 2025-26 was presented to the Communities Committee, focusing on the disposal of surplus assets. The committee discussed the process of asset disinvestment, community asset transfer (CAT) opportunities, and the importance of balancing community interest with the council's duty to ensure best value. The committee agreed to re-establish the Member Officer Working Group on the Live Life membership scheme and pricing.

  • Live Life Aberdeenshire Estates Plan update

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

• Licensing Sub-Committee on Friday 01 May 2026
• Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee on Tuesday 28 April 2026
• Aberdeenshire Council on Thursday 30 April 2026
• Local Review Body on Friday 24 April 2026
• Garioch Area Committee on Tuesday 21 April 2026
• Buchan Area Committee on Tuesday 21 April 2026
• Business Services Committee on Thursday 23 April 2026
• Formartine Area Committee on Tuesday 28 April 2026
• Aberdeenshire Licensing Board on Wednesday 29 April 2026

This week in Aberdeenshire:

School Transport Consultation Delayed Amidst Safety Fears

Parents and children in Sandhaven are breathing a sigh of relief this week as the council's Education and Children's Services Committee decided to defer the public consultation on proposed changes to school transport on the Sandhaven to Fraserburgh Academy route. This crucial decision came after elected members highlighted significant safety concerns, including the route's exposure to severe weather, flooding, lack of lighting, and high traffic speeds.

The potential socioeconomic impact on disadvantaged families was also a key consideration. Councillor Louise McAllister, seconding a motion to defer, emphasized the need for further discussion before any community consultation. This deferral means the consultation will now be re-evaluated, allowing for more thorough engagement with affected communities. A special meeting of the committee is scheduled for July 3rd to discuss the outcomes of this further consultation.

Banchory Devenick School Faces Permanent Closure

A statutory consultation will now be launched regarding the permanent closure of Banchory Devenick School. The decision follows an options appraisal that revealed significant issues with the school's heating system, overall building condition, and critically low pupil numbers. Essential repairs are estimated to cost around £530,000, a substantial sum for a school with only 25 pupils and projected to decline further.

The Portlethen Cluster, which includes Banchory Devenick, has ample capacity to absorb the pupils, with projections indicating 474 spare places by 2029. This move, while difficult for the local community, aims to ensure a more sustainable and efficient use of educational resources across Aberdeenshire. The formal consultation period will run in the first term of the 2026/27 academic year.

Dog Park Plans Barked Down Near Laurencekirk

Plans for a new dog park at Kilnhill, Laurencekirk, have been refused planning permission by the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee. The decision was made primarily due to concerns about the potential for noise pollution impacting nearby residents.

Despite 14 supporting representations highlighting the need for such a facility, objectors raised valid points about noise, traffic safety, and littering. The committee ultimately sided with the concerns of Environmental Health, who maintained that the close proximity of the proposed park to homes, coupled with low background noise levels, would likely lead to unacceptable disturbance. This decision underscores the council's commitment to protecting residential amenity, even when proposals have community support.

Other Matters

• McDonald Public Park Allotments: Trustees are moving forward with plans to bring McDonald Park allotments back into use. The process involves transferring the allotments from the Housing Revenue Account to the general fund, with a strategy for environmentally friendly allotments with nature enhancements being developed.
• Coastal Communities Fund: The Stonehaven Promenade project has received a boost with the allocation of the remaining £3,719.42 from the Coastal Communities Fund for 2024/25. This funding will support crucial preparatory steps, ensuring the project is ready for tendering.
• Child Protection and Secure Care: The Education and Children's Services Committee reviewed the Child Protection Committee's Annual Report, highlighting progress in child-centred models and workforce development. A Stage 1 report on the Secure Care Audit identified areas for improvement in controls and processes, with an action plan now in place to address these deficiencies.
• School Roll Forecasts: Reports indicate a continuing decline in primary school pupil numbers across Aberdeenshire, with a projected decrease of 415 primary pupils in August 2026. This trend is leading to discussions about the future of several schools, with recommendations for closure or consultation on closure for Tullynessle and Slains Schools.
• Carbon Budget Update: The Education and Children's Services Directorate is making progress towards its carbon budget reduction targets, with initiatives focused on behaviour change, energy management, waste reduction, and green spaces. Partnerships with community groups are supporting projects like tree planting and biodiversity initiatives.
• Planning Decisions: The Local Review Body overturned an initial refusal for kennels and an office building near Huntly, citing compliance with development plan policies and the availability of compensatory planting. However, a decision on a storage and material recycling yard near Alford was deferred for further information regarding waste management facility policies.

In the last 7 days (since Saturday 22 June 2024), the Aberdeenshire Council held several meetings, addressing various issues from planning applications to school appeals. Here is a summary of the key decisions and discussions:

Garioch Area Committee Meeting - Tuesday, 25 June 2024

Planning Application APP/2023/1266 - Haughton Country Park, Inverurie

The committee approved the extension of the caravan park at Haughton Country Park in Inverurie, allowing for the erection of 18 holiday lodges. Despite concerns about tree loss and infrastructure impact, the application was unanimously approved after considering the popularity of the park and the year-round availability of the lodges.

Planning Application ENQ/2023/1746 - Ury Estate, Stonehaven

A decision on the masterplan for 92 dwellinghouses at Ury Estate in Stonehaven was deferred pending a site visit. Concerns were raised about tree management and local road infrastructure.

Extension of Pay and Display Parking Regime in Inverurie

The committee received a report recommending increased parking charges in Inverurie, including at the Railway Station. However, this report was for information only, and no decisions were made.

Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership Strategic Delivery Plan

The committee was updated on the performance of the Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership (AHSCP), highlighting achievements and challenges. This report was also for information only.

Local Housing Strategy

The council’s Housing Strategy and Policy Team presented the draft Aberdeenshire Local Housing Strategy (LHS). The strategy focuses on increasing affordable housing, improving existing housing quality, and preventing homelessness. The report was noted without decisions.

Area Budget

The committee approved funding from the Garioch Area Budget for local projects, including £5,000 to the Inverurie & District Community Sports Club and £2,500 to the Insch School Parent Council.

Licensing Board Meeting - Wednesday, 26 June 2024

Extension of Closure - Blacksands Bar, Aberdeen

The board extended the closure of Blacksands Bar in Aberdeen by three months due to ongoing concerns raised by Police Scotland about management and drug misuse.

Applications for Occasional Licences

Four occasional licences were granted, including for events at Rosehearty, Macduff Golf Club, Tarves, and Invercauld Mews.

New Premises and Provisional Premises Licences

Five new premises licences were granted for businesses including Brewdog at Aberdeen Airport, Pacific Bay Fish and Chips in Stonehaven, and others.

Major Variations - Non Contentious

Six applications for major variations to existing premises licences were granted, including for The Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar and The Commercial Hotel in Fraserburgh.

Buchan Area Committee Meeting - Tuesday, 25 June 2024

Draft Local Housing Strategy 2024-2029

The committee recommended proceeding to public consultation on the draft Local Housing Strategy, despite concerns about the Housing Need and Demand Assessment.

Planning Application APP-2023-1776 - Penrith, Mintlaw

Planning permission for 80 homes at Penrith, Mintlaw was granted, subject to conditions.

Asset Transfer Request - Maud Former Area Office

The committee approved the transfer of the Maud Former Area Office to Maud Village Trust for conversion into a community hub.

Aberdeenshire HSCP Strategic Delivery Plan Performance Report

The committee received an update on the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership's Strategic Delivery Plan, noting progress and challenges.

Area Committee Project Grant Scheme 2024-2025

Funding was awarded to six projects under the Buchan Area Committee Project Grant Scheme.

School Placings and Exclusions Appeals Committee Meetings

Appeals Considered on Tuesday, 25 June 2024

The committee upheld an exclusion appeal for a student from Oldmachar Academy and overturned a refusal of a placing request for Kemnay Academy.

Appeals Considered on Wednesday, 26 June 2024

The committee upheld the council's decision in one case and overturned it in another, allowing Child E to move to a closer school and upholding the exclusion of Child F from School C.

IJB Audit Committee Meeting - Wednesday, 26 June 2024

Annual Governance Statement and Unaudited Annual Accounts

The committee reviewed the Annual Governance Statement 2023-24 and Unaudited Annual Accounts, noting a small overspend.

Internal Audit Reports and Risk of Readiness for Health and Care Staffing Act

Updates were received on internal audits and the Health and Care Staffing Act.

Full Council Meeting - Thursday, 27 June 2024

Council Financial Position 2023/24

The council reviewed its financial position, noting a £7.107m underspend.

Council Transformation Update

Updates were provided on the council's transformation agenda, including projects on big data and digital technology, and collaboration with external partners.

Petition: School Crossing Patrollers

A petition to reinstate school crossing patrollers was approved for further debate.

Local Review Body Meeting - Friday, 28 June 2024

Planning Appeals

The Local Review Body considered several planning appeals, overturning one decision and upholding four others.

Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership IJB Meeting - Friday, 28 June 2024

Redesign of Adult Social Care

The board approved an options appraisal for the redesign of adult social care services, focusing on community-based support.

These meetings highlight the council’s dedication to balancing immediate community needs with long-term strategic goals, emphasizing community consultation, environmental sustainability, and prudent financial management.

This week, the Aberdeenshire Council held several meetings, with the most impactful discussions occurring on Tuesday, 11 June 2024. You can review the full meeting details here.

Area Committee Meeting

Tribute to Jim Stewart

The meeting began with a tribute to Jim Stewart, the long-serving Chair of the Burns Community Council. His contributions to various community initiatives, including the Lawrence Kirk Development Trust and local environmental projects, were highlighted. The council expressed condolences to his family and acknowledged his significant impact on the community.

Jim was always one who was one of the few ideas to respond to community needs and he was very much a larger-than-life Chair of the Council. — Councillor Carr

Equality Act Compliance

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that all decisions consider the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between different groups. This aligns with the council's ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and fairness in all its operations.

In making decisions, we shall have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimization, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations. — Meeting Transcript

Planning Committee

Change of Use for Agricultural Buildings

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a planning application for changing the use of agricultural buildings to Class 6 storage and distribution for long-term whisky storage. The application included the installation of security fencing and coordination of parking at a site near St Cyrus.

The committee approved the application, emphasizing the importance of adhering to health and safety regulations and the need for a separate hazardous substances consent due to the storage of whisky.

The planning service is satisfied that the proposal meets the terms of the local development plan and national planning framework policies. — Planning Officer

Environmental and Infrastructure Services

Performance Report

The committee reviewed the performance report for the third and fourth quarters of the 2024 year. Key highlights included improvements in the processing time for non-household planning applications and building warrant applications. However, challenges remain in areas such as street lighting fault repairs and the resolution of homelessness cases.

We are looking at ways to prioritize the work across the areas, and that's really around the type of work, the location, the frequency that we come out, the number of lamps that can be out before we come down. — Alan John Scaven, Director of Environment and Infrastructure Services

Tree Preservation Order

Lathallan School, Johnshaven

The council confirmed a tree preservation order (TPO) for the woodland surrounding Lathallan School. This decision was made to protect the trees from unauthorized felling and to maintain the area's woodland character. The TPO was supported by the school and aims to ensure long-term environmental sustainability.

The woodland is a key landscape feature and of particular value due to limited tree cover within the area. — Fiona, Natural Environment Team

Conclusion

This week's meetings reflect the council's dedication to balancing immediate community needs with long-term strategic goals. The emphasis on community consultation, environmental sustainability, and prudent financial management highlights a council that is responsive and forward-thinking. The decisions made this week will have lasting impacts on the community, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future for Aberdeenshire.