The Local Review Body of Aberdeenshire Council met on Friday 24 April 2026 to consider a notice of review against the refusal of full planning permission for four holiday cabins at Backhill of Drumblair, Forgue, Huntly. The body upheld the review and granted planning permission, allowing a departure from policy on the grounds of appropriate rural tourism and economic contribution.

Backhill of Drumblair Holiday Cabins

The Local Review Body (LRB) upheld a notice of review and granted full planning permission for the change of use of agricultural land and the installation of four cabins for short-term letting accommodation at Backhill of Drumblair, Forgue, Huntly. This decision represented an acceptable departure from policy.

The original application had been refused by the planning authority on several grounds, including that the proposal was not well related to any settlement, lacked adequate viability and sustainable transport plans, and could negatively impact existing tourist accommodations. The refusal also cited a lack of direct, easy, and safe links to local facilities via walking, cycling, or public transport, and the absence of vehicle or cycle charging points.

During the meeting, Councillor Davidson expressed concerns about the remoteness of the site, the lack of local facilities, and the safety of the roads for walking and cycling. She argued that the proposal was too remote and lacked connection to any amenities. Councillor Victor, however, countered that the very remoteness was precisely what rural tourists would seek, wanting to be in the middle of the country away from shops. Councillor Simpson highlighted the potential attraction of dark skies for stargazing in such a remote location.

The applicant's submission included a Tourism Demand and Need Statement, a Viability Summary, and economic benefit evidence. They argued that rural tourism policy supports developments in countryside locations where the experience relies on landscape and tranquillity, and that their proposal was small-scale, low-impact, and consistent with rural diversification. They also pointed to previously approved rural tourism developments in Aberdeenshire as precedent. To address concerns about sustainability, the applicant confirmed that cycle storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities would be provided at each cabin.

Ultimately, Councillor Richard Menard proposed a motion to uphold the appeal, citing it as an acceptable departure from policy. The reasons for this departure were that the development was considered appropriate rural tourism, its contribution to the local economy would outweigh the lack of sustainable transport and proximity to settlements, it was viable, and it would not have a detrimental impact on local tourism. This motion was seconded by Councillor Catherine Victor.

Councillor Isobel Davidson proposed an amendment to uphold the planning service's original decision to refuse the application, reiterating her concerns about connectivity and safety. However, this amendment did not find a seconder.

The LRB agreed to grant planning permission by a majority, subject to conditions including the provision of EV charging points and cycle storage, and any other appropriate conditions identified by officers.

The decision to grant permission was based on the finding that the proposal was appropriate rural tourism, would contribute to the local economy, was viable, and would not negatively impact existing tourism. The LRB acknowledged that while the development was not well related to a settlement, the economic benefits and the provision of sustainable transport infrastructure (EV charging and cycle storage) justified a departure from policy.

The meeting also noted outstanding business regarding a notice of review for a material recycling yard at Land to East of Broomiebank, Alford, which was deferred to allow for further information to be gathered on waste management policies and updated noise and air quality assessments. The LRB also approved the draft minutes of their previous meeting held on 27 March 2026.