The Marr Area Committee met on Tuesday 26 May 2026, discussing a planning application for a dwellinghouse and garage near Ballater, reviewing performance indicators for Environment and Infrastructure Services, and agreeing the criteria for the Marr Area Committee Budget for the upcoming financial year. The committee granted planning permission for the dwellinghouse and garage, noted areas of concern regarding street lighting repairs and road maintenance, and approved a single grant scheme for community projects with a maximum award of £1,000.

Planning Application for Land North of Birchwood, Ballater

The committee granted full planning permission for the erection of a dwellinghouse and garage at Land to North of Birchwood, Ballater, following a site visit and extensive discussion. The application, APP/2024/1718, had received objections concerning the private water supply, access, and design.

Environmental Health had no objection, subject to conditions regarding a water treatment system and a water safety management plan. Roads Development also raised no objection after the applicant provided justification for the access arrangements and updated plans. Concerns were raised by councillors and objectors regarding the adequacy and reliability of the private water supply, particularly in drier summer months and the potential impact of additional demand. The applicant, Angus McNichol from Invercauld Estate, stated that the estate was unaware of any troughs connected to the supply and would remove them if found. He also assured the committee that the estate had experience in managing water supply issues and would address any problems that arose.

Councillor Sarah Brown expressed concerns about the timing of the water quantity report, which was taken in February, and the potential for seasonal fluctuations. She also questioned the responsibility for a water management plan across multiple properties. Fiona Stewart, the monitoring officer, clarified that conditions could only be applied to the current application and that broader management plans for other users would be a civil matter.

Despite some lingering concerns about the water supply and the scale of the property, the committee ultimately felt they had sufficient information to determine the application. Councillor Geva Blackett, who had lived in the area for over 33 years, shared her own experiences of water shortages in the past but acknowledged the need to rely on the proposed water management plan. Councillor Anouk Kloppert felt reassured after hearing from the applicant and was happy to go along with the recommendation to grant permission. Ultimately, planning permission was granted.

Environment and Infrastructure Services Performance Report

Alan Wood, Director of Environment and Infrastructure Services, presented the Environment and Infrastructure Services Performance Report for Quarter 3 and 4 of the financial year 2025-26. The report indicated that performance remained strong across the Marr area, with nine out of ten indicators meeting or exceeding their targets.

The primary area of concern highlighted was the time taken to complete street lighting repairs within the seven-day target, which remained below target. Mr Wood explained that this was due to operational constraints and the need to balance responsiveness with the efficient deployment of resources, often meaning repairs were only undertaken when electricians were already in the area for other activities. He stressed that repairs were prioritised using a risk-based safety matrix and that this indicator did not reflect a wider performance issue. Councillor Sarah Brown noted the cumulative effect of vehicle breakdowns and the need for servicing on the availability of repair teams. Councillor Jeff Goodall also expressed concern about the street lighting situation, suggesting it was reaching a point where significant action was needed.

Councillor Ann Ross raised concerns about the state of roads and potholes in her ward, with residents resorting to filling potholes themselves. She described the infrastructure in some town centres as looking like Armageddon. Mr Wood acknowledged the frustration and explained that while additional resources had been allocated to road repairs, the scale of the problem was significant. He emphasised that safety remained paramount and that prioritisation was based on a safety matrix.

Councillor Gwyneth Petrie questioned whether the reduction in street lighting replacement and repair capacity was a political decision or a consequence of not meeting savings elsewhere. Mr Wood confirmed that budget decisions were made through the council's medium-term financial strategy and that the funding for column replacement had significantly decreased. He also noted that the rollout of LED streetlights was nearing completion, but there was no budget for further work this year.

The committee also discussed the impact of budget cuts to landscape services. Mr Wood confirmed a reduction of £800,000 and stated that a briefing paper outlining plans for landscape services delivery would be sent to all councillors. He also mentioned ongoing work with community groups to collaborate on landscape maintenance. Councillor Petrie expressed frustration that conversations with community groups were not happening across the board, leading to missed opportunities.

Councillor Robbie Withey emphasised the need to prioritise infrastructure services such as roads, lighting, and bin collection, stating that councils were neglecting their core functions by pursuing bells and whistles initiatives. He called for a long-term plan for infrastructure investment. Councillor Brown agreed that Aberdeenshire needed its fair share of funding and that decisions over existing funding needed to be made more effectively.

Marr Area Committee Budget 2026/27

The committee agreed to use the Marr Area Committee Budget of £17,800 for 2026/27 to deliver a single grant scheme. Constituted community groups or council services can apply for grants towards projects that enhance communities and contribute to placemaking, where there is an evidence-based community need.

The proposed criteria for the grant scheme were also agreed. The maximum grant level will be £1,000, with a match funding requirement of at least 50%. Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have attempted to secure other sources of funding prior to application. Organisations can only apply once per financial year, and previous funding will be taken into account. Decisions on applications will be delegated to the Area Manager, following consultation with the Chair and relevant Ward Members. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. The committee also noted that the budget for supporting Local Place Plans or Community Action Plans had been removed due to low take-up in the previous year.

Councillor Goodall supported the proposed criteria, including the reduction in the maximum grant level and the match funding requirements, encouraging groups to seek other funding sources. Councillor Yi-Pei Chou Turvey sought clarification on whether council services could apply for grants independently or only in conjunction with community groups. Kirsty Macleod, the Area Committee Officer, explained that it would usually be for projects working with community groups, but occasionally for standalone community-focused projects.

The committee agreed to the use of the budget as outlined and the proposed criteria, meaning applications for the grant scheme can now commence.