Decision Maker: Banff and Buchan Area Committee

Outcome: Approve

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: May 27, 2025

Purpose: Climate change has significantly increased the risk of coastal erosion and flooding across Aberdeenshire. As a result, Aberdeenshire Council’s Flooding Team were instructed to lead on the Aberdeenshire Regional Coastal Change Adaptation Plan (CCAP), which would set out the strategy for dealing with this risk. Following a competitive tender process, JBA Consulting were appointed as consultants to assist with this task. Area Committee is asked to consider and provide comments to Infrastructure Services Committee on the Regional Coastal Change Adaptation Plan in advance of ISC Committee Meeting on 19th June 2025.

Content: Committee agreed to provide the following comments to Infrastructure Services Committee:     ·         We would not want the plan to restrict development in coastal areas to its economic disadvantage. ·         Performance governance scheme aims to offer long term benefits and commitment from partners. ·         Realistic direction is required - the next steps need to be firmed up. ·         Should be a very dynamic policy with constant scrutiny to ensure that the correct data is always available for local landowners. ·         Managing expectations within the community will be essential with regards to budget and the availability of funding.