The Banff and Buchan Area Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, with a packed agenda covering a range of local issues. Key discussions are expected to include planning applications for a dwelling extension in Banff and a replacement dwelling in Fraserburgh, alongside a significant proposal for a battery energy storage system near Fraserburgh. The committee will also review the Strategic Housing Investment Plan for 2027-2032 and consider proposed changes to the Festive Lights Policy.

Planning Applications for Determination

The committee is scheduled to consider several planning applications. Among these is a proposal for alterations and an extension to a dwellinghouse at 11 Colleonard Drive, Banff. The report recommends refusal for this application, citing concerns about its scale, siting, and potential impact on the visual amenity of the street and neighbouring properties, as well as overshadowing and overbearing impacts. This application was deferred from a previous meeting for a site visit and further information.

Another significant planning matter is the application for full planning permission for the demolition of a dwellinghouse and the erection of a replacement dwellinghouse at 73 Main Street, Fraserburgh. This application also faces a recommendation for refusal. The report highlights that the existing dwelling is a Category C listed building within the Broadsea Conservation Area, and the submitted information is not considered sufficient to justify demolition. Objections have been raised by both Built Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland, who advocate for the retention and repair of the listed building. This application was also deferred from a previous meeting for a site visit and further information.

A third planning application for determination concerns the installation of a 49.9 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated infrastructure at a field on the west side of Boothby Road, Fraserburgh. The report recommends refusal for this proposal, citing several reasons. Primarily, the development is considered to prejudice the deliverability of the Merryhillock Masterplan, which allocates the land for housing. Furthermore, insufficient information has been provided regarding flood risk, noise impact, potential contamination, and the impact on protected species. The proposal is also deemed not to demonstrate community wealth building benefits.

Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2027-2032

The committee is scheduled to review the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2027-2032. This plan outlines the council's priorities for affordable housing investment over the next five years, aiming to deliver a significant number of new homes across Aberdeenshire. The report details the projected completions by tenure and property size, with a particular focus on addressing housing need, including for particular needs households and wheelchair accessible properties. The plan is influenced by housing market conditions, developer contributions, and Scottish Government funding. The Banff and Buchan area is projected to see the delivery of 76 new affordable homes within this plan.

Festive Lights Policy Review 2026

A review of the Festive Lights and Bunting Policy is scheduled for discussion. The proposed changes aim to introduce a more structured and permissive framework for community-led installations, moving away from place-based restrictions and towards a system of full cost recovery for infrastructure upgrades and electricity costs exceeding an agreed allocation. A public engagement exercise was conducted, revealing broad support for community-led decision-making but strong opposition to shifting electricity and infrastructure costs onto communities. The committee is asked to provide comments to the Infrastructure Services Committee on these proposed changes.

Further Offer of Grant from Ocean Winds

The committee will consider a further offer of grant funding totalling £100,000 from Ocean Winds UK Ltd, the operator of the Moray Offshore Windfarm (East). This funding, administered under the Council's Advertising and Sponsorship Policy, is intended to support community-led projects in Banff and Buchan's coastal communities. The eligibility criteria, developed in conjunction with Ocean Winds, aim to benefit projects linked to the coast or sea, with grants available up to £5,000 at 100% of project costs, and up to £25,000 at 90%. The funds are available immediately and must be allocated by January 2028.

C149B Charlotte Street, Fraserburgh – At Any Time Waiting Restrictions

The committee is asked to approve the commencement of statutory procedures for new 'At any time' waiting restrictions on Charlotte Street, Fraserburgh. These changes are necessary to facilitate the introduction of a new zebra crossing, involving the construction of footway build-outs and adjustments to existing restrictions to ensure pedestrian safety and visibility.

Education Scotland Report - Rathen School

The committee is asked to consider and provide comments to the Education and Children's Service on an Education Scotland report concerning Rathen School. The report, appended to the agenda, details the strengths and areas for improvement identified during an inspection.

Other Business

The committee's agenda also includes the draft minutes of a previous meeting, a statement of outstanding business, and a report on the Aberdeenshire HSCP Strategic Delivery Plan. Additionally, there is an item regarding the naming of a new registered early years setting at St Andrews Primary School, Fraserburgh, and a review of the Banff and Buchan Area Committee Budget for 2026/27. Finally, there are items concerning the lease of land in Inverallochy and the disposal of a property in Fraserburgh, which may be considered with the public excluded.