The Garioch Area Committee was scheduled to consider its public sector equality duty and a proposal for a lease and licence arrangement for an energy hub. The meeting's agenda also included a review of outstanding business and performance indicators.

Public Sector Equality Duty

The committee was scheduled to consider and potentially adopt a resolution regarding its public sector equality duty. This duty, outlined in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, requires the council to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between those who share protected characteristics and those who do not. Members were to be reminded that this duty requires conscious consideration of these needs when making decisions, particularly when an Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) is provided. The IIA, if available, would be considered as part of the decision-making process.

Proposal for Lease and Licence Arrangement - Energy Hub

A significant item scheduled for discussion was a proposal concerning a lease and licence arrangement for an energy hub. This item was designated for consideration with the press and public excluded, as it was expected to involve the disclosure of exempt information relating to expenditure or contract terms under paragraphs 8 and 9 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. The report pack indicated that this discussion would be held in private due to the nature of the information involved.

Business Services' Area Committee Performance Indicator Report

The committee was set to receive an update on progress relating to Business Services' performance indicators for the period of April 2025 to March 2026. This report was intended to provide the Garioch Area Committee with an overview of how Business Services' performance supports the Council Plan Priorities for 2024-2029. The report pack indicated that the Head of Finance would present the performance information, highlighting areas of good performance, consistent delivery, and opportunities for further improvement. Members were expected to seek clarification on specific issues, such as crisis grants and the details of buildings involved in any disinvestment programme. A key point of discussion was anticipated to be the relevance of performance measures, with a suggestion that measures should relate to team performance rather than solely demand-led data. The committee was expected to note the progress made and provide comments on the data presented, with a view to receiving future performance reports on a six-monthly basis.

Planning Application APP/2025/1240 - Hillhead Caravan Park, Kintore

The committee was scheduled to consider a planning application for Hillhead Caravan Park in Kintore¹. This application was an amended proposal following a previously refused application. The report pack indicated that the number of lodges and caravan pitches had been reduced, and the proposal retained an amenity building with parking and a play area. Access arrangements were to utilise the existing access, with a one-way route implemented to manage site traffic. The report pack noted that residents of Hillhead Croft would retain direct access to their property. The planning service considered the proposals to be acceptable, with efforts made to minimise impact on neighbouring properties through increased landscaping and layout amendments. However, members were expected to have concerns regarding the proposed one-way system, its potential safety implications, and clarity on terms such as peak season and short term. The applicant, Mrs. Helen Sutherland, was expected to address the committee, highlighting the need for development to ensure business sustainability and improve guest facilities. An objector, Mr. Callum Fraser, was also scheduled to present his concerns. The committee was expected to consider deferring the application for a site visit to better understand the access proposals and pedestrian pathways.

Planning Application APP/2026/0012 - Land to the West of Hillbrae Way, Newmachar

A hybrid planning application for land to the west of Hillbrae Way in Newmachar was scheduled for discussion. This application covered three phases of development, with Phase 1 seeking Full Planning Permission and Phases 2 and 3 seeking Planning Permission in Principle. The site was allocated within the Local Development Plan (LDP) and had an extant planning permission. However, the application was considered a departure from the LDP because land previously reserved for a primary school was now proposed for residential development and open space. This change followed a previous committee decision in June 2021, which accepted that a second primary school was no longer required in Newmachar. The applicant, CALA, was expected to present the proposals, which mirrored the live planning permission. The report pack indicated that the affordable housing provision was set at 25% for Phase 1 and would be required for future phases, with open space provision meeting requirements. Members were expected to seek clarification on various issues, including secondary education provision, the inclusion of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) within open space calculations, play equipment provision, public transport, health provision pressures, and traffic calming. The committee was expected to express concern about the pressure of new development on health services, particularly GP recruitment, and to request that the Area Manager write to NHS Grampian to discuss these issues. The committee was expected to agree to grant Planning Permission in Principle for Phases 2 and 3 and Full Planning Permission for Phase 1, subject to the completion of a Section 75 Agreement and various conditions.

Landscape Services Works Programme 26/27

The committee was scheduled to review the Landscape Services Works Programme for 2026/27. This report, presented by the Director of Environment and Infrastructure Services, was to outline works and activities based on the Full Council approved budget and prioritised by Landscape Services for delivery within the Garioch area. Members were expected to acknowledge the work undertaken by the service under budget constraints and to seek clarification on community involvement and how it could be further developed and supported. The committee was expected to approve the proposals for allocating the revenue budget for Landscape Services and Bereavement Services within the Garioch area.

Supplementary Procurement Plan for Education and Children's Services Directorate

A report from the Director of Education and Children's Services was to be presented, seeking approval of the Supplementary Procurement Plan for 2026/2027 for the Garioch Area. The plan included a construction project at Insch School Nursery, aimed at upgrading and improving the facilities to support the delivery of 1140 hours of early learning and childcare. The Early Years Estate Manager was expected to provide an overview of the proposals and respond to questions. The committee was expected to note the Directorate Supplementary Procurement Plan and approve the item marked in principle, subject to confirmation of budget approval by Full Council.