The Banff and Buchan Area Committee met on Tuesday, 05 May 2026, to discuss a range of local issues. Key decisions included the approval of a planning application for an extension in Portsoy, despite officer recommendations for refusal, and the deferral of a decision on street lighting column replacements to allow for further clarification. The committee also reviewed and approved the proposed programmes of work for roads and infrastructure for 2026-27.

Planning Application for Alterations and Extension to Dwellinghouse at 70 Church Street, Portsoy

The committee granted full planning permission for alterations and an extension to a dwellinghouse at 70 Church Street, Portsoy, AB45 2QR. This decision was made despite the planning service recommending refusal due to concerns about overbearing impact and overshadowing on the neighbouring property at 72 Church Street.

Councillor Glen Reynolds proposed that the application be granted, citing a need for flexibility and a common-sense approach, noting the minimal impact and the lack of objection from the neighbour. Councillor Stuart Adams seconded the motion. The committee agreed to grant the application, delegating the final decision to the Head of Planning and Environment subject to conditions.

Arguments for refusal, as outlined by planning officers, centred on the proposed extension's proximity to the neighbouring property, its height, and the resulting overshadowing and overbearing impact, which were considered detrimental to residential amenity. This was deemed contrary to Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan (ALDP) 2023 Policies P1 (Layout, Siting, and Design) and P3 (Infill Developments within Settlements and Householder Developments), and National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) Policies 14 (Design, Quality, and Place) and 16 (Quality Homes).

Arguments for approval, put forward by Councillor Reynolds and seconded by Councillor Stuart Adams, emphasised the limited nature of the impact, particularly during summer months, and the fact that the neighbour had no objections. They also highlighted the applicant's need for additional space to work from home, which was seen as a material consideration. The committee ultimately decided to grant permission, considering the proposal to be an acceptable departure from policy on balance, taking into account the privacy concerns, the neighbour's lack of objection, and the limited impact.

Roads and Infrastructure Programmes of Work 2026-27 and Update on 2025-26 Works

The committee reviewed the proposed programmes of work for roads and infrastructure for 2026-27 and received an update on the delivery of works from 2025-26. Natalie Wood, along with officers Julie Eldar, Simon Robertson, Stuart Ingram, and Andrew Gemmel, presented the report.

A key concern raised by Councillor John Cox related to street lighting columns, particularly in Banff, where areas were described as being in complete darkness due to the removal of columns. Councillor Cox expressed concern about the uncertainty of replacement and suggested that potential savings within the service could be utilised for more efficient repairs, such as potholes. He also questioned the council's energy-saving initiatives and why they had not been implemented.

Natalie Wood, responding to concerns about street lighting, explained that a risk-based approach is used for prioritising repairs and scoring defects, including those related to street lighting. She acknowledged the frustration and stated that a briefing note was being prepared to address the lighting approach and that rural communities would be considered. Councillor Cox requested that this matter be revisited with more detail and consultation.

The committee noted the updates on 2025-26 works and approved the proposals for allocating revenue funding for roads and bridges for 2026-27. They also made comments to Infrastructure Services Committee on the proposals for capital funding within their area.

Councillor Reynolds echoed Councillor Cox's concerns regarding street lighting column replacements, particularly in rural communities, and the perceived lack of consultation. He highlighted the health and safety risks associated with areas in darkness and questioned whether the prioritisation was driven by budgetary constraints rather than safety. Natalie Wood assured the committee that dangerous columns would be addressed for safety reasons, and that a risk-based prioritisation system was in place. She agreed to take the committee's feedback to the street lighting group for consideration.

Councillor Doreen Mair raised a point about road markings, particularly around schools, and whether the safety requirements covered these specifically. Natalie Wood confirmed that markings required for safety purposes, such as zig-zags outside schools, would be retained and refreshed. The issue of disabled parking bays also being affected by fading paint was raised, and it was confirmed that these would also be refreshed.

The committee agreed to note the updates from appendices A to E, approve the proposals in appendices F, J, K, L and M for revenue funding, and comment to Infrastructure Services Committee on the proposals in appendices G, H, I, J, K, L and M for capital funding.

Statement of Outstanding Business

The committee agreed to dismiss Item 4 of outstanding business, as the Pennan Conservation Area report was to be presented at the meeting.

Coastal Communities Fund 2026/2027

Councillors Cox and Sutherland declared interests and left the meeting during the discussion of applications for the Coastal Community Funding 2026/2027. The Area Manager introduced the report, which detailed 23 applications received with a combined value of £331,260.53, resulting in an oversubscription of £231,260.53.

Due to the significant oversubscription, the committee agreed to consider full, partial, and pro rata arrangements for some projects. They agreed to fully fund the New Aberdour, Tyrie & Pennan Community Council project and the Training Days Banffshire CIC Project, with a small deduction apportioned equally between the two. Officers would seek to redirect unsuccessful applicants to other funding streams.

The committee agreed to approve funding for several projects, including a feasibility study for the future use of Banff Town Hall by the Banff Castle Community Association, and various community improvement projects in Fraserburgh, Gardenstown, and other locations. Applications that were refused due to oversubscription or other reasons were also listed, with officers tasked to redirect applicants to alternative funding streams where possible.

Other Business

The committee also agreed to exempt information from the public during consideration of items 11, 12, and 13, relating to Housing and Building Standards Supplementary Procurement, Contract Award for Catering Operator at Macduff Aquarium, and Supplementary Annual Procurement Plan for Education and Children's Services Directorate, respectively.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking attendees for their participation.