The Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee met on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, to discuss a planning application for an indoor play area and to allocate Coastal Communities Funding. The committee refused the planning application for Grains of Fetteresso due to concerns over land contamination, road safety, and sustainability. They also approved funding for several coastal projects, including improvements to Stonehaven Promenade, the Stonehaven Sea Cadets, and the Muchalls to Newtonhill coastal path.

Planning Application Refused for Grains of Fetteresso

The committee considered a full planning permission application for a part change of use of an agricultural building to an indoor play area, with the installation of a reception cabin and the formation of a car park at Grains of Fetteresso, near Stonehaven. The application was recommended for refusal by planning officers due to concerns regarding potential land contamination from previous uses such as sheep washing and a mill dam, inadequate visibility at the proposed access point, and the site's isolated rural location with no access to sustainable transport.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about the contamination issue, with Councillor George Carr noting that cheap dips are fairly nasty materials, chemicals, and phosphorus is what we know your ingredients. You don't want to come in contact with that. Councillor Dawn Black highlighted that the visibility splays for the access point overlapped with neighbouring garden ground, which was outside the applicant's control. Councillor Alan Turner expressed his conflict, stating, Sadly I'm conflicted very much as well. I, you know, policy before contaminated land, I hear what Greg has said, completely with George has said. I struggle with that because we just cannot condition it.

Ultimately, the committee voted to refuse the application. The reasons for refusal included the development not being in accordance with National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023 (ALDP 2023) due to its isolated location and lack of sustainable transport options. Furthermore, the applicant had not demonstrated the extent of ground contamination or provided evidence of remediation, and it was not adequately shown that the proposed development could be accessed and egressed safely.

Coastal Communities Fund Allocations Approved

The committee then turned its attention to the allocation of the Coastal Communities Fund for 2025-26. Diane Henderson, Area Project Officer, presented the report outlining six applications received, with a total funding available of £118,961.03. Two applications were discounted for not meeting the criteria.

The following projects were approved for funding:

• Stonehaven Promenade: £49,999 was allocated towards the permanent pedestrianisation of the promenade, subject to securing match funding from the Active Travel and Restructure Funding Tier 2. If this funding is not secured, the money will be available for other community projects.
• Stonehaven Sea Cadets: £13,716 was approved for the purchase of additional boats and oars to support the growing number of cadets and ensure their full participation in training and events.
• Muchalls to Newtonhill Coastal Path: £33,609.60 was allocated for the upgrade of the coastal path, which will involve regrading, drainage, and widening to 1.8 metres, making it more accessible for walkers, cyclists, buggies, and wheelchairs.
• Motorhome Leaflet: £600 was approved for the printing of leaflets aimed at motorhome users to encourage responsible behaviour regarding litter, waste disposal, and parking, addressing an increase in complaints.

The remaining unallocated funds of £21,036.43 will continue to be available for community projects that meet the criteria. The committee also agreed to delegate authority to the Kincardine and Mearns Area Manager, in consultation with the Area Chair and Vice-Chair, to approve any variations in project costs and award remaining unallocated funds up to £10,000.

During the discussion on the motorhome leaflet, Councillor Shirley Burnett asked about permanent signage, to which Diane Henderson explained that many locations are private, and the focus is on encouraging responsible behaviour. Councillor Laurie Carnie inquired about the eligibility of coastal defence work for funding, and it was noted that this could be explored further.

The meeting concluded with the confirmation that the public section was finished and the committee would move to confidential business.