The Marr Area Committee met on Tuesday 14 April 2026, discussing planning applications and the upcoming Local Development Plan. Key decisions included granting retrospective planning permission for a retaining wall and decking in Aboyne, and granting planning permission in principle for a new dwelling in Finzean. The committee also reviewed the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026, providing comments for further consideration.

Retrospective Planning Permission for Retaining Wall and Decking at 2 Allachlade Court, Aboyne

The committee granted full planning permission, retrospectively, for the installation of a retaining wall and decking at 2 Allachlade Court, Aboyne. The applicant, Ms Brenda Fyvie, had undertaken the works due to garden instability and subsidence. While an objection was raised regarding inaccurate descriptions of works, compromised visibility, inappropriate material finishes, overlooking, and drainage, the planning officers concluded that the development was acceptable. They noted that the wall has a fyfestone finish to the south and east, and while the west elevation remains a breeze block finish, adding a finish would be permitted development. Concerns about overlooking were deemed not to adversely impact amenity due to existing boundary treatments and the nature of the front garden. Roads Development acknowledged a reduction in cross-corner visibility but had no further comment as it is a private access with low traffic volumes. The application was considered compliant with Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan (ALDP) Policies P1 and P3, and National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) Policies 14 and 16.

Planning Permission in Principle for Erection of Dwellinghouse and Sub Division of Feu at The Sheiling, Finzean, Banchory

Planning permission in principle was granted for the erection of a dwellinghouse and subdivision of a feu at The Sheiling, Finzean, Banchory. The application, submitted by Mr Gordon Innes, sought to establish the principle of developing a dwelling within the garden ground of his property. Objections were received from neighbours concerning detrimental impact on amenity, loss of privacy, impact of additional septic tank on the watercourse, unsuitable access, inappropriate housing density, and the character of the area. The planning officers noted that the site is within the defined settlement boundary of Finzean, and while the application was for permission in principle, careful consideration would be given to design, scale, window positions, and boundary treatments at the Matters Specified in Condition (MSC) stage. Technical matters regarding access and drainage were addressed, with Roads Development having no objection subject to conditions, and Scottish Water confirming no objection to the water supply. The proposal was considered to comply with ALDP Policy P3 and NPF4 Policy 16.

Draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026

The committee reviewed the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026, which sets out the anticipated timetable for the production of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2029 and outlines how the public can get involved. The scheme builds upon the previous year's plan with no change to the overall programme or proposed adoption date of 2029. The focus for the coming year will be on analysing submissions from the 'Call for Ideas' and 'Call for Sites' to inform the drafting of the Proposed Local Development Plan. The committee provided comments for reporting to the Infrastructure Services Committee for approval.

During the discussion on the Development Plan Scheme, Councillor Brian Brown raised questions about the level of engagement and the process for incorporating Local Place Plans. Councillor Anouk Kloppert inquired about consultation with community councils in areas that fall within both Aberdeenshire and the Cairngorms National Park, and the policy regarding building houses alongside business premises. Lisa and Alana Fordyce from the planning team provided clarification on these points.

Statement of Outstanding Business

The committee noted the statement of outstanding business, which included one item: the request for a one-way system on Seton Terrace / Meadow Avenue, Huntly. Statutory and public consultation had been completed, and an update on the implementation timescale was awaited from the Roads and Infrastructure service.