The Infrastructure Services Committee of Aberdeenshire Council met on Thursday 14 May 2026. Key discussions included the approval of planning permission in principle for the Buchan Offshore Wind Farm's onshore transmission infrastructure and the Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm's onshore transmission infrastructure, as well as the adoption of the Draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026 and an update on the Scottish Government's Place-Based Investment Programme.

Buchan Offshore Wind Farm Onshore Transmission Infrastructure

The committee granted planning permission in principle for the onshore transmission infrastructure for the Buchan Offshore Wind Farm, located southwest of Peterhead. This development includes the landfall point, cable route corridor, cable circuits, and the erection of a substation and control building to connect to the national grid. The decision was made subject to a comprehensive list of conditions, including detailed plans for the cable route, substation site, landscaping, construction traffic management, and environmental protection measures. The application was considered a national development under National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), with the committee acknowledging that while significant landscape and visual impacts were identified, particularly concerning the substation site, these were considered manageable through future detailed design and mitigation measures. The Buchan Area Committee had previously expressed support for the application, stressing the importance of landowner engagement and high standards for restoration works.

Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm Onshore Transmission Infrastructure

Planning permission in principle was also granted for the onshore transmission infrastructure for the Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm, specifically for underground cables and associated works to connect to the transmission grid at land between Maryhill and Greens, New Deer. This decision was also subject to a detailed set of conditions covering aspects such as the final cable route, ecological appraisals, construction environmental management plans, archaeological works, private water supply monitoring, noise limits, and a socio-economic strategy. The Formartine Area Committee had previously expressed neutrality on the application but requested that Matters Specified in Conditions (MSC) be brought back to them for determination and that a Traffic Management Officer be present at the Infrastructure Services Committee meeting. Concerns were raised by local residents and the Community Council regarding cumulative impacts, road network adequacy, loss of prime agricultural land, and the need for robust conditions to protect private water supplies and drainage. The committee acknowledged these concerns but ultimately approved the application, noting that many issues could be addressed through conditions and that the project's status as a national development, supporting renewable energy targets, weighed in its favour.

Draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026

The committee approved the Draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme (DPS) 2026, which outlines the timetable and engagement processes for the preparation of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan (LDP) 2029. The scheme details the stages of plan development, including data collection, drafting the proposed plan, examination, and adoption. Public consultation on the draft DPS revealed concerns about the realism of the proposed timetable, with some respondents highlighting past delays and suggesting more ambitious timescales. Officers acknowledged these concerns, explaining that the timetable is a realistic estimate and that slippage experienced has often been outside the Council's direct control. The scheme was amended to include bus operators and infrastructure providers in the list of consultation partners, and to clarify engagement methods, including offering in-person sessions alongside online options to address digital exclusion.

Update on Scottish Government Place-Based Investment Programme (PBIP)

The committee received an update on the delivery of the Scottish Government's Place-Based Investment Programme (PBIP) in Aberdeenshire, which is concluding after five years. Aberdeenshire Council received £6.63 million in funding, supporting 38 projects with a total value of approximately £20 million. The programme has been recognised for its effective management and the diversity of projects supported, with eight projects receiving 16 national and local awards. The committee acknowledged the achievements of community organisations and council services in delivering these projects. A key recommendation was to replicate the successful governance and decision-making arrangements of the PBIP, including the Place-Based Investment Panel, should a similar successor programme be introduced by the Scottish Government. This would allow Aberdeenshire to respond swiftly to future funding opportunities. The report highlighted a conservative estimate of £8.30 in socio-economic value generated for every £1 of PBIP funding spent.

Carbon Budget 2025-2026 Final Update

An update on the Environment and Infrastructure Services' progress towards the Carbon Budget 2025-2026 was presented. The report indicated a positive revised estimate for emission reductions, with an increase from 115 to 359 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) saved. This improvement was attributed to factors such as the ongoing rollout of LED street lighting, the purchase of more efficient vehicles for the council's fleet, and increased membership and savings through the Warp-It asset sharing platform. While one project related to quarry covers was removed due to storm damage, the overall position for the Carbon Budget was described as positive, with total estimated emissions savings across the Council increasing significantly. The committee was asked to consider and comment on this final update.