The Garioch Area Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, with a key focus on planning applications and performance reports. The committee will consider proposals for a caravan park extension near Kintore and a significant residential development in Newmachar, alongside reviewing the year-end performance of Business Services and the Landscape Services works programme.

Hillhead Caravan Park Extension, Kintore

The committee is set to consider a full planning permission application for an extension to Hillhead Caravan Park in Kintore¹. The proposal includes the erection of 13 holiday lodges, an amenity building encompassing a cafe, restaurant, laundry, and sanitary facilities, and the formation of 12 mobile caravan pitching sites. This application follows a previous refusal and dismissed appeal², with the current proposal seeking to address concerns raised regarding residential amenity, sustainable transport, and the overall scale of development. The report details extensive supporting information, including demand statements, design and access statements, and drainage assessments. Representations from the public and Kintore and District Community Council³ highlight concerns about traffic, pedestrian safety, the impact on neighbouring properties, and the demand for holiday lodges versus permanent residences. Conversely, letters of support suggest the development would enhance tourism and community amenities.

Residential Development in Newmachar

A significant planning application for land to the west of Hillbrae Way, Newmachar, is also scheduled for discussion. This hybrid application seeks Planning Permission in Principle for Phases 2 and 3 of a residential development, alongside Full Planning Permission for Phase 1, which comprises 158 dwellinghouses and associated infrastructure. The site is allocated in the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023⁴ for housing (OP1) and a primary school (R2). A key aspect of the discussion will be the proposed use of the R2 land for housing, which represents a departure from the Local Development Plan's reservation for a primary school. This departure is supported by evidence that the existing school infrastructure has sufficient capacity⁵. The application includes detailed supporting information on biodiversity, drainage, design, and transportation. Numerous objections have been received from residents and Newmachar Community Council⁶, raising concerns about infrastructure strain, including schools, healthcare, roads, and amenities, as well as environmental impacts and loss of privacy.

Business Services Performance Indicator Report

The committee will receive an update on the year-end progress of Business Services' performance indicators for the period April 2025 to March 2026⁷. The report indicates that seven out of fifteen measures are meeting or exceeding targets, with one measure showing as amber (off target) and seven being data-only. Key successes include consistently low average call wait times for Customer Services and a reduced call abandonment rate. Areas for improvement include the percentage of operational buildings suitable for their current use, with the Garioch area showing 80% suitability, below the Aberdeenshire and Scottish averages.

Landscape Services Works Programme 2026/27

The committee will consider the proposed works programme for Landscape Services and Bereavement Services for the Garioch area for the financial year 2026/27⁸. The report outlines a total revenue budget of £2,166,800 for Aberdeenshire, with specific allocations for Garioch detailed in Appendix 1. The programme includes routine, cyclic, and reactive maintenance activities, as well as planned works, reflecting ongoing engagement with local members and communities. Emphasis is placed on sustainable management of parks and open spaces, including efforts to support pollinators and community food growing initiatives. The report highlights potential financial and staffing risks if proposed works are not carried out, impacting the council's reputation and operational risk management.