The Marr Area Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 05 May 2026, with a public session commencing at 10:00 am. The meeting will address a range of topics, including a significant planning application for a dwelling and garage in Ballater, updates on roads and infrastructure programmes, and the annual scrutiny and improvement report.

Planning Application for Land North of Birchwood, Ballater

A key item for discussion is the planning application for the erection of a dwellinghouse and garage on land to the north of Birchwood, Ballater¹. The application, reference APP/2024/1718, has been recommended for grant by officers, but has been referred to the Area Committee due to valid objections from third parties and requests from local ward members. The report pack details the proposal, which includes a 1.75-storey dwelling with a detached garage, and outlines the material considerations, including the principle of development within a rural group, layout, siting, design, and impacts on the natural environment and neighbouring amenity. Concerns raised in representations include issues related to the private water supply, access, drainage, and potential impacts on protected species and woodland. The Cairngorms National Park Authority Local Development Plan 2021 and National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) policies are relevant to this application.

Roads and Infrastructure Programmes of Work

The committee will receive an update on the delivery of roads and infrastructure works for 2025-26 and consider proposals for the 2026-27 programmes. This includes the allocation of Revenue funding for Roads and Bridges, with specific figures provided for Road Maintenance, Winter Maintenance, Flood Management, and Harbours. Capital funding proposals for Roads and Bridges will also be presented, covering Roads Resurfacing and Reconstruction, Road Drainage, Street Lighting Works, Bridges & Structures, Harbours, Coast Protection, and Flooding. The report highlights that the current level of funding for roads maintenance remains below steady state levels, leading to a managed decline of the road network . An interactive map of the proposed road maintenance programme for 2026-27 is also available.

Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report

The committee is asked to consider and comment on the Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. This report summarises key scrutiny activities undertaken by the committee and outlines proposed areas for the scrutiny programme for the coming year. The report details the committee's review process, member-promoted issues, petitions considered, and formal scrutiny activities, including performance reports from various services. Examples of areas where the committee has had the opportunity to scrutinise include the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2029 Evidence Report, Roads and Infrastructure Programmes of Work, and the Public Convenience Strategy. The proposed programme of future activity for 2026/27 includes six-monthly formal performance reporting, informal sessions with directorates and partner organisations, and policy development and reviews.

Other Business

The meeting will also address the Public Sector Equality Duty, requiring members to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between those who share protected characteristics and those who do not. The committee will also consider exempt information, the minute of the previous meeting held on 14 April 2026, and a statement of outstanding business. Additionally, there are ACT2 (Aberdeenshire Charities Trust) applications to be considered by the committee sitting as trustees.