The Buchan Area Committee met on Tuesday 21 April 2026, with key discussions focusing on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's performance report, a planning application for holiday units near Strichen, and the onshore infrastructure for the Buchan Offshore Wind Farm. The committee also reviewed the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026 and considered funding allocations for coastal community projects.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Performance Report

Matthew Cowes from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service presented the performance report for Quarter 3 (1 October to 31 December 2025). Overall incident numbers in the Buchan area have decreased by 31 compared to the previous quarter, and are similar to the same quarter in the previous year. While fire incidents have seen a notable drop, there was a concern regarding an increase in building fires, rising from nine to thirteen. Deliberate fires showed a significant improvement, reducing from 14 to just three incidents. Non-fire related incidents, including road traffic collisions, remain a concern, with three fatalities recorded during the quarter. The service continues its prevention, protection, and engagement activities, including home fire safety visits and audits. Councillors noted the success in reducing deliberate fires and raised concerns about specific road safety issues, such as those on the Tolla-Byrnes Road. Discussions also touched upon the potential relocation of the Peterhead Breakfast Club to Peterhead Football Club.

Planning Application: Holiday Units near Strichen

The committee considered a full planning application for the erection of four holiday units at a site south-east of Borrohill, Strichen. The Senior Planning Officer, Sally Wood, recommended refusal, citing conflicts with national and local planning policies. Key concerns included the development's location in a greenfield woodland area, the loss of woodland without exceptional public benefit, a lack of sequential site selection, landscape impact, and limited demonstrated public benefits. The proposal was also found to conflict with policies on sustainable transport and 20-minute neighbourhoods due to its remoteness from services and reliance on private vehicles.

During the debate, Councillor Geoff Crowson questioned the weight given to tree removal concerns, particularly in light of potential tree diseases. Councillor Hannah Powell pointed out an informal path opposite the site that could offer an active travel route. Councillor Peter Chapman reiterated the lack of alternative sites considered by the applicant.

Ms Karen Clarke, representing the applicant, LCE Construction Limited, argued that bikes would be provided, and the site was well-connected to Strichen via a core path, representing a 20-minute walk or seven-minute cycle. She highlighted the project's sustainability features, including solar panels and air source heat pumps, and stated that the development would not impact housing for local people.

Despite the planning officer's recommendation for refusal, Councillor Peter Chapman proposed a motion to support the application, citing economic activity, job creation, a suitable business plan, eco-friendly chalets, and compensatory planting. He argued that the 20-minute neighbourhood policy was not strictly applicable in a rural context and that the provision of bikes on-site addressed connectivity concerns. Councillor Geoff Crowson seconded the motion. The committee voted to grant full planning permission as a departure from policy, subject to conditions delegated to the Head of Service and a legal agreement for compensatory planting and the provision of bikes.

Planning Application: Buchan Offshore Wind Onshore Transmission Infrastructure

The committee considered a planning permission in principle application for the onshore transmission infrastructure for the Buchan Offshore Wind Farm. This national development proposal includes a landfall point, cable route corridor, substation, and associated works to connect to the transmission grid. Stuart Newlands, Senior Planning Officer, presented the application, highlighting that while the principle of development is supported due to its national significance, localised impacts require careful assessment. The Environmental Impact Assessment Report identified potential significant effects, primarily on landscape and visual amenity, with most temporary, but five long-term impacts identified near the project substation site. Three objections were received, raising concerns about traffic, landscape impact, and the consideration of the Loch of Strathbeg.

Debbie Olsen, Head of Consents at Buchan Offshore Wind, addressed the committee, emphasizing the project's commitment to local communities, job creation, and the use of Scottish manufacturing for its floating foundation technology. She explained the site selection process, balancing environmental, technical, and economic factors, and highlighted the use of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) to minimise impacts. Olsen also addressed concerns about traffic management, the substation's design, and landowner engagement.

Councillors raised questions regarding the feasibility of an undersea cable, the responsibility for disruption management, and the process for addressing NatureScot's concerns. The committee noted the comments made by Councillor Colin Simpson and Councillor Peter Chapman in support of the recommendation to grant planning permission in principle, subject to conditions and a legal agreement for compensatory planting and the provision of bikes.

Draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026

Lisa Croson, Senior Policy Planner, presented the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026. This document outlines the timetable and plan for the ongoing work towards the adoption of the next Local Development Plan, with an anticipated adoption date in 2029. The scheme details extensive engagement processes undertaken, including a Call for Ideas which received approximately 380 submissions. Councillor Peter Chapman inquired about the project's timeline and whether it was on track, to which Lisa Croson confirmed that despite some slippage due to an unsuccessful evidence report submission, the overall adoption date remained on track. Councillor Anne Simpson commended the engagement efforts but noted the low figures for public participation. The committee was recommended to consider and provide comments on the draft scheme.

Crown Estate Scotland Fund – Buchan Coastal Communities Commissioning Strategy Update and Year 5

Eleanor Morris, Area Project Officer, presented an update on the Crown Estate Scotland Fund for Buchan. Year 4 commissions were noted, and recommendations for Year 5 priority projects were discussed, totalling £60,705.02. These included improvements to the Whinnyfold Coastal Path, the Buchan Wave Classic event, the Cruden Bay Congregational Church Community Hub, Victoria Park CCTV enhancement, Peterhead Sailing Club kitchen upgrade, Port Errol Harbour storage containers, Russell Street Community Garden structure, and Wing Foiling Growth equipment. Councillor Anne Simpson commented positively on the Whinnyfold Coastal Path project, seeing it as a valuable part of the Doric Way. Councillor Hannah Powell inquired about partnerships for the Buchan Wave Classic, and Councillor Colin Simpson expressed strong support for the Cruden Bay Congregational Church Community Hub. The committee noted that no projects were put forward under the safeguarding, restoring, or enhancing the coastal environment priority, and agreed to delegate the award of further commissions to the Area Manager, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair. Councillor Colin Simpson also highlighted the positive impact of the fund on coastal communities and inquired about its continuation, with Eleanor Morris confirming that it is expected to continue, though the exact amount allocated annually can vary.

Other Matters

The committee also noted the draft minute of the previous meeting and the statement of outstanding business. The meeting concluded with members moving to exempt business.