The Banff and Buchan Area Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss a range of local issues. Key decisions included the approval of comments to be forwarded to the Communities Committee regarding the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan for 2027-2032, and the refusal of a planning application for a battery energy storage system in Fraserburgh. The committee also discussed proposed changes to the Festive Lights Policy, with members requesting further information and a more detailed report before a final decision is made.

Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2027-2032

The committee provided comments on the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2027-2032, which outlines priorities for affordable housing across Aberdeenshire. Hannah Russell, Housing Manager, presented the plan, highlighting that for the Banff and Buchan area, 76 affordable homes are proposed, with 74 for social rent and two for low-cost shared equity. Councillor Glen Reynolds raised concerns about ensuring housing provision was not solely town-focused and asked about contingency plans for construction delays. Councillor John Cox questioned the housing demand scores and suggested a more strategic approach to town centre regeneration. Councillor Iain Sutherland welcomed the inclusion of Cairn Bulg for housing and sought clarification on whether current developments were included in the figures. Councillor Cox also raised concerns about the stagnated site at Cross Street in Fraserburgh. The committee agreed to provide comments to the Communities Committee, emphasizing the need for a more strategic approach to housing development that considers town centre regeneration, rural community sustainability, and close collaboration with developers on challenging sites like Cross Street in Fraserburgh.

Festive Lights Policy Review

Robert McGregor presented proposals for a revised approach to festive lights attached to street lighting infrastructure. The existing policy restricts lights to areas of high footfall, but the proposed changes would remove these location restrictions, subject to communities funding necessary infrastructure upgrades. A key proposal is to cap the electricity budget for festive lights and introduce a population-based allocation formula. Councillor John Cox questioned the total budget figure and the true cost of Christmas lights, noting the reduction in energy use from LEDs. Councillor Glen Reynolds expressed concerns that the population-based formula could disadvantage smaller communities, potentially leading to a two-tier system. Councillor Ann Bell questioned the five-year advance payment for electricity and the potential prohibitive cost of infrastructure upgrades. Councillor Cox also raised the possibility of solar-powered Christmas lights. The committee agreed that a further report was needed on cost implications and charging, with consideration given to the potential disadvantage to settlements, the cost differential between standard and LED lights, the impact of the new switch-off policy, and the fairness of the five-year advance payment.

Planning Applications

Charlotte Street, Fraserburgh – At Any Time Waiting Restrictions: Jamie Douglas, Civil Engineer, presented a report seeking approval to begin the statutory process for new at any time waiting restrictions on Charlotte Street, Fraserburgh, to facilitate a new zebra crossing. The proposed crossing requires footway build-outs, which will necessitate adjustments to existing waiting restrictions. Councillor Sutherland sought clarification on the removal of School Keep Clear signs and their replacement with double yellow lines. The committee approved the commencement of the statutory process and, in principle, the subsequent making of the order.

11 Colleonard Drive, Banff – Alterations and Extension: The committee considered a planning application for alterations and an extension to a dwellinghouse at 11 Colleonard Drive, Banff. The application had been deferred for a site visit and further information on overshadowing and an Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA). The Senior Planner recommended refusal due to concerns about the visual impact on the street scene, overshadowing of the neighbouring property, and the scale of the extension. Mr Gray, the applicant's agent, presented the case for the extension, highlighting the need for accessible accommodation for his client's son. After deliberation, the committee refused the application, citing reasons related to the detrimental impact on the character of the area and neighbouring amenity.

73 Main Street, Fraserburgh – Demolition and Replacement Dwellinghouse: The committee considered a planning application for the demolition of a dwellinghouse and the erection of a replacement dwellinghouse at 73 Main Street, Fraserburgh. The application had been deferred for a site visit and further information on structural surveys and costs. The Senior Planner presented the case, noting objections from Built Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland due to insufficient evidence to justify demolition. Mr Fyvie, the agent, and Ms Scott, the applicant, presented their case, emphasizing the structural unsoundness of the existing building, the prohibitive cost of renovation, and the need for an accessible home. After extensive discussion, the committee agreed to grant planning permission as a departure from policy, citing material considerations such as structural evidence, accessibility benefits, and the potential unsaleability of the existing property.

Field on West Side of Boothby Road, Fraserburgh – Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): The committee considered a planning application for a 49.9 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated infrastructure. The Senior Planner recommended refusal, citing concerns about the inappropriate location within land allocated for housing and sports pitches, proximity to residential properties, and insufficient information regarding flood risk, noise, contaminated land, and biodiversity. Members expressed strong agreement with the officer's recommendation, highlighting the negative impact on future development and the safety concerns. The committee refused the application for multiple reasons, including prejudice to housing land, flood risk, noise, biodiversity, contaminated land, and lack of community wealth building benefits.

Commercial Sponsorship

Further Offer of Grant from Ocean Winds: Laurence Findlay, Director of Education and Children's Services, presented a report on a further offer of £100,000 in grant funding from Ocean Winds UK Ltd for the Banff and Buchan Area. The funds are to be administered by the Area Manager and allocated to community-led projects within coastal communities. The committee agreed to accept the funding, noting the eligibility criteria and the administrative process.

Other Business

Charlotte Street, Fraserburgh – At Any Time Waiting Restrictions: Jamie Douglas, Civil Engineer, presented a report seeking approval to commence statutory procedures for new waiting restrictions on Charlotte Street to facilitate a new zebra crossing. The committee approved the commencement of the statutory procedures.

Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2027-2032: Hannah Russell, Housing Manager, presented the draft SHIP. The committee agreed to provide comments to the Communities Committee, emphasizing the need for a more strategic approach to housing development, consideration of town centre regeneration, support for rural communities, and closer collaboration with developers.

Festival Lights Policy Review: Robert McGregor presented proposed changes to the Festive Lights Policy. The committee agreed to note the public engagement feedback and provide comments to the Infrastructure Services Committee, requesting further information on cost implications, fairness of allocation, and the impact on communities.

C149B Charlotte Street, Fraserburgh – At Any Time Waiting Restrictions: Jamie Douglas, Civil Engineer, presented a report seeking approval to commence statutory procedures for new waiting restrictions on Charlotte Street to facilitate a new zebra crossing. The committee approved the commencement of the statutory procedures.

Further Offer of Grant from Ocean Winds: Laurence Findlay, Director of Education and Children's Services, presented a report on a further offer of £100,000 in grant funding from Ocean Winds UK Ltd. The committee agreed to accept the funding and noted the administrative process for its allocation.

The meeting concluded with the committee moving to exempt business.