The Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee met on Tuesday 1 September 2026, discussing a range of planning applications and council reports. Key decisions included the refusal of a battery energy storage system near Barras due to landscape and siting concerns, the approval of a glamping site at Woodside of Ardoe Farm despite initial concerns about its rural location, and the approval of a grant for Portlethen & District Men's Shed. The committee also reviewed the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership's performance and the Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report.

Battery Energy Storage System Refused Near Barras

The committee refused planning permission for 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, Stonehaven. Councillor George Carr moved to refuse the application, citing concerns about the impact on landscape character and suggesting the development failed to comply with Local Development Plan C2 and National Planning Framework Policy 4. While acknowledging the importance of energy infrastructure, Councillor Carr argued that the development was not well-related to the substation and that the cumulative impact of existing industrial development in the area was a concern. Councillor Dawn Black raised issues regarding the lack of mitigation for adjacent properties, particularly concerning fencing and noise, and questioned the effectiveness of the proposed landscaping. Despite assurances from planning officers that impacts would be localised and mitigated, and that the development supported national net-zero targets, the committee ultimately voted to refuse the application.

Glamping Site Approved at Woodside of Ardoe Farm

Full planning permission was granted for a change of use of agricultural land at Woodside of Ardoe Farm to form a holiday caravan site, including two units, decking, gazebos, and associated infrastructure. The application had been called in by local ward members Councillor Catherine Victor and Councillor Mel Sullivan due to concerns about sustainable transport links and the balance between agricultural and tourism policies. While the planning officer recommended refusal, citing the site's poor accessibility by public transport and active travel, and the reliance on private vehicles, the committee ultimately voted to approve the application. Councillor Victor argued that supporting farmers and increasing tourism were crucial, and that a two-mile distance to a bus route was not an insurmountable issue. Councillor Sullivan supported this, questioning the relevance of unlit country roads and street lighting policies in the context of a rural holiday destination. The committee agreed to grant planning permission, with the decision being delegated to officers to finalise appropriate conditions.

Area Committee Budget Approved for Portlethen & District Men's Shed

The committee agreed to approve an application from Portlethen & District Men's Shed for £1,983.00 from the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee Budget 2026/27. The funding will be used to upgrade the lighting in their new premises, replacing existing units with energy-efficient LED lighting and rewiring backup lighting. The Portlethen Men's Shed, a registered charity, undertakes various community activities, including repairing items for local schools and charities. The total cost of the project is £3,966.00, with the Men's Shed contributing the remaining match funding from their own funds.

Aberdeenshire HSCP Performance Report Noted

The committee noted the contents of the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership's (AHSCP) first quarterly performance report on its Strategic Delivery Plan 2025/26 – 2028/29. The report highlighted key successes such as the completion of Phase 1 of the Community Hospitals Strategic Review and the approval of the Aberdeenshire Adult Carer Strategy. Areas for improvement included addressing mental health referrals in Kincardine and Mearns and strengthening the In-House Home Care and ARCH service. The committee was asked to provide feedback on local health and social care service delivery issues for onward reporting.

Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report Reviewed

The committee reviewed the Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report for 2025-2026. The report detailed the committee's scrutiny activities over the past year, noting that no formal reviews, member-promoted issues, or petitions had been undertaken. However, the committee had reviewed numerous performance reports, policies, strategies, plans, and budgets. The proposed programme of scrutiny activity for 2026/27 was also presented, which will include regular performance reporting from directorates and partner organisations, informal seminars, and policy reviews. The committee was invited to identify any service areas for further scrutiny.

Other Business

The committee also noted the minutes of the previous meeting held on 30 June 2026 and agreed to the public sector equality duty resolution. An exempt item regarding the Kincardine & Mearns Annual Estates Plan 2026/27 was also considered.