The Banff and Buchan Area Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 05 May 2026, with a meeting pack that includes discussions on planning applications, roads and infrastructure programmes, and the Pennan Conservation Area. The committee will also consider updates on the Coastal Communities Fund and the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026.

Planning Application for 70 Church Street, Portsoy

The committee is set to review a planning application for full planning permission for alterations and an extension to a dwellinghouse at 70 Church Street, Portsoy. The report pack indicates that officers are recommending refusal for this application due to concerns about its overbearing nature and overshadowing impact on the neighbouring property. This application was previously deferred for a site visit.

Roads and Infrastructure Programmes

A significant portion of the meeting pack is dedicated to the Roads and Infrastructure Programmes of Work for 2026-27, along with an update on works from 2025-26. This report, presented by the Director of Environment and Infrastructure Services, outlines proposed allocations for revenue and capital funding for roads and bridges. It details the extensive infrastructure managed by Aberdeenshire Council, including over 5,600 kilometres of carriageways and numerous bridges. The report also highlights changes to road maintenance, such as the cessation of road markings in residential streets unless they intersect with higher priority roads, and the proposed switch-off of private road and footway lighting. An interactive map of the proposed road maintenance programme for 2026-27 is also available.

Pennan Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

The committee will consider the Pennan Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan documents. The report pack indicates that the committee will be asked to approve these documents as planning advice. Discussions are scheduled to cover new buildings in Pennan, the use of traditional materials, and the disposal of assets within the conservation area. The Head of Planning and Economy will provide clarification on the legal status of Bankhead and report back to the Area Committee. A wider action plan for Pennan to enhance and safeguard its special architectural interest is also to be developed.

Coastal Communities Fund Update

An update on the Coastal Communities Fund for 2026-27 is scheduled for discussion. The report details 23 applications received for the £100,000 budget, resulting in an oversubscription of £231,260.53. The committee will consider full, partial, and pro rata arrangements for some projects, with a particular focus on fully funding the New Aberdour, Tyrie & Pennan Community Council project and the Training Days Banffshire CIC Project.

Draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026

The committee is invited to provide comments on the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026. The report outlines the anticipated timetable for producing the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2029, noting that progress over the past year has focused on a call for ideas engagement exercise. Comments on the initial assessment and analysis by the Policy Team will be sought from stakeholders.

Public Sector Equality Duty

The committee will consider its legal duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, which requires due regard to be given to eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations between those who share protected characteristics and those who do not. Members will be directed to the Council Priorities, Implications and Risk section of reports to consider the contents of any Integrated Impact Assessments (IIAs) provided.

Other Business

The meeting pack also includes the draft minute of the previous meeting held on 14 April 2026, a statement of outstanding business, and exempt information relating to housing and building standards supplementary procurement, and contract awards for catering at Macduff Marine Aquarium.