The Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee met on Tuesday 30 June 2026, discussing a range of important local issues. Key decisions included the approval of a significant battery energy storage system near Stonehaven, alongside a review of performance reports for Environment and Infrastructure Services and Business Services, and the conclusion of the Kincardine and Mearns Community Plan 2022-2025.

Battery Energy Storage System Approved Near Stonehaven

The committee granted full planning permission for the installation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with an installed capacity of 49.9 MW and associated infrastructure on land to the northeast of Old Schoolhouse, Barras, Stonehaven¹. This decision, relating to applications APP/2024/2125 and APP/2026/0067, followed extensive discussion and consideration of numerous objections and representations.

The proposed development, put forward by Green Switch Capital and agents Atmos Consulting Ltd, aims to support national net-zero emission targets by providing capacity to store energy from renewable sources. The planning service recommended approval, citing compliance with national and local development plans, including the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023².

Numerous objections were raised by local residents and the Catterline, Kinneff and Dunnottar Community Council³. Concerns included the loss of natural heritage and prime agricultural land, the risk of industrialisation in a rural setting, cumulative impacts from similar developments, threats to protected species, increased flood risk, road safety issues, noise and light pollution, and a lack of community benefits. Objectors also raised concerns about fire risk, citing incidents at other BESS facilities, and questioned the necessity of such a facility given existing grid capacity.

Despite these objections, the committee approved the application, subject to numerous conditions⁴. These conditions cover aspects such as the duration of the permission (40 years), site restoration, financial guarantees for reinstatement, landscaping, construction traffic management, and noise control. The decision acknowledged the strategic importance of BESS in supporting renewable energy targets and grid flexibility, while outlining mitigation measures to address environmental and amenity concerns.

Environment and Infrastructure Services Performance Report

The committee received an update on the performance of Environment and Infrastructure Services (EIS) for Quarters 3 and 4 of the 2025-2026 financial year. The report, presented by Director Alan Wood⁵, indicated that out of ten performance indicators, seven were performing well (green), one was slightly off target (amber), and two were showing as red.

The Key Successes highlighted included the average time taken to determine householder planning applications, which remained within statutory timescales and showed improvement from the previous quarter. The report also noted positive performance in customer services, with call wait times and abandonment rates remaining within targets.

However, two areas were flagged as Areas for Information or concern: the percentage of street lighting faults completed within seven days, which remained below the target due to prioritisation of works and adverse weather conditions, and the average time to resolve homeless cases, which was slightly above the target. The report also detailed performance in relation to Aberdeenshire's Council Plan priorities, with specific updates on A Sustainable Economy, Connected Communities, and Living Well Locally.

Kincardine and Mearns Community Plan 2022-2025 - End of Plan Summary

The committee received a summary of the Kincardine and Mearns Community Plan 2022-2025, marking the end of its three-year cycle. The report highlighted key achievements and challenges, and outlined the proposed direction for community planning activity moving forward, with a focus on the transition to Place Plans⁶.

The plan's priorities were aligned with Aberdeenshire Council's strategic objectives of Connected Communities and Living Well Locally. Key initiatives discussed included the development of a Community Action Plan (CAP) Guide, support for community groups like the St Cyrus Community Council and Edzell Woods Community Trust, and the pilot of a Social Prescribing project in Inverbervie. The report also touched upon research into food access barriers in the area and the conclusion of a Rural Transport Project.

The learning from this period emphasized the importance of local ownership, accessible processes, and long-term support for community initiatives. Moving forward, the focus will be on deepening the shift towards Place Planning, utilising improved data and engagement methods to empower communities to shape priorities.

Kincardine & Mearns Landscape Services Works Programme 2026/27

The committee was presented with proposals for the Landscape Services and Bereavement Services works programme for 2026/27, along with capital funding proposals for cemeteries. Director Alan Wood presented the report, which detailed planned works and activities prioritised based on available funding⁷.

The total revenue budget for Landscape Services and Bereavement Services was £2,166,800, with a capital budget of £200,000 for cemeteries. The report highlighted the importance of these services for maintaining public spaces, supporting biodiversity, and contributing to residents' physical and mental wellbeing.

Key areas of focus for the works programme included burial functions, hard and soft landscape maintenance, arboricultural maintenance, sportsfield maintenance, and beach cleaning. The report also noted the ongoing commitment to enhancing public greenspace for pollinators, aligning with Aberdeenshire Council's Pollinator Action Plan. The service aims to increase efficiency and sustainability in park management and is exploring opportunities for partnership working with local community groups.

Business Services' Area Committee Performance Indicator Report

The committee received a year-end progress report (April 2025 - March 2026) on Business Services' performance indicators, which support the Council Plan Priorities 2024-2029⁸. Director Rob Simpson presented the report, which covered 15 performance indicators.

Of the 15 indicators, seven were reported as meeting or exceeding targets (green), one was slightly off target (amber), and seven were data only due to their demand-led nature. The report indicated that Business Services supports all three of the Council's strategic priorities: A Sustainable Economy, Connected Communities, and Living Well Locally.

Key successes included consistently meeting targets for average call wait times and call abandonment rates for Customer Services, as well as efficient processing of new claims and changes in circumstances for Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit. The proportion of operational buildings in satisfactory condition was also highlighted as a success, with Kincardine & Mearns performing above the Aberdeenshire and Scottish averages.

The primary area for improvement identified was the percentage of operational buildings deemed suitable for their current use, with Kincardine & Mearns performing below the Aberdeenshire and Scottish averages. The report also detailed performance in relation to Discretionary Housing Payments, Crisis Grants, and Community Care Grants, noting increases in applications and payments for Crisis Grants due to economic pressures.