The Marr Area Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, with a key focus on planning matters, including a masterplan for the Inchmarlo Site OP2 and an application for land at Inchmarlo, Banchory. The committee will also review the Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2027-2032 and discuss an engagement plan for Aboyne Bridge.

Masterplan for Inchmarlo Site OP2

A significant item on the agenda is the consideration of the Masterplan for Inchmarlo Site OP2. This plan outlines the general layout and approach for future planning applications on a site allocated for 120 homes, intended to expand the Inchmarlo Continuing Care Community (ICCC). The masterplan has been developed following public consultation and aims to promote good place-making, ensuring future developments meet social, environmental, and economic requirements. The report details the proposed layout, phasing, and design considerations, as well as feedback from consultees including Infrastructure Services (Roads Development, Housing, Flood Risk and Coast Protection, Natural Environment, Built Heritage) and Business Services (Developer Obligations). The plan aims to integrate new housing with the existing ICCC, addressing considerations such as road safety, flood risk, landscaping, and the impact on the Category B listed Inchmarlo House.

Land at Inchmarlo, Banchory – Application under Section 42

The committee is also scheduled to consider an application under Section 42 concerning land at Inchmarlo, Banchory. This application seeks to vary a condition on an existing planning permission (APP/2021/0247) related to the phasing and delivery of a development that includes tourism, leisure, hotel, lodges, and 95 residential units. Specifically, the applicant seeks to amend the phasing to allow the final 15 residential units at East Mains to be built before the hotel. The report outlines the extensive planning history of the site, dating back to 2011, and details the challenges faced in delivering the hotel, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, construction cost inflation, and increased borrowing costs. The report includes representations from community councils and members of the public, who have raised concerns about the lack of progress on the hotel and the potential for the housing development to proceed without the promised tourism and leisure facilities. The planning service is recommending to grant permission subject to amended conditions that would still ensure a degree of phasing.

Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2027-2032

The committee will be asked to provide comments on the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2027-2032. This plan sets out Aberdeenshire Council's investment priorities for affordable housing over a five-year period, aiming to deliver a range of tenures and property types to meet identified housing needs. The report details the projected delivery of new affordable homes, including social rent, mid-market rent, and affordable home ownership, with a focus on particular needs housing and wheelchair-accessible properties. It also discusses challenges within the housing market and construction sector, the role of developer obligations, and various delivery models. The plan highlights the importance of affordable housing in supporting the Council's strategic priorities of a sustainable economy, connected communities, and living well locally.

Aboyne Bridge – Engagement Plan and Progress Update

An update will be provided on the Aboyne Bridge project, focusing on the proposed community engagement plan for Autumn/Winter 2026. Technical, environmental, and flood assessment work is ongoing for two potential options for a permanent crossing solution: a new modular bridge downstream (Option A) or repairs to the existing bridge (Option B). The report outlines the engagement programme, developed in conjunction with the Aboyne Bridge Action Committee (ABAC), which includes online FAQs, traffic studies, community surveys, drop-in sessions, and feedback from the business community. The committee is asked to note and agree this engagement plan and the ongoing technical assessment work.

Festive Lights Policy Review 2026

The committee will also consider feedback from a public engagement exercise on proposed changes to the Festive Lights and Bunting Policy. The review aims to introduce a more structured and permissive framework for community-led installations, moving away from specified locations and allowing communities to apply for installations in any street, provided safety is not compromised. The proposed changes include a Full Cost Recovery principle for infrastructure upgrades and electricity costs above an agreed allocation. The public engagement revealed broad support for community-led decision-making but strong opposition to shifting electricity and infrastructure costs onto communities, with concerns raised about upfront payments and the fairness of population-based funding allocation. The committee is asked to provide comments to the Infrastructure Services Committee on the proposed policy changes.

Education Scotland Inspection Report – Aboyne Academy

The committee will be asked to consider and provide comments to the Education and Children's Service on the Education Scotland Inspection Report for Aboyne Academy. The report details the strengths of the school, including a strong learning community and effective teaching, as well as areas for improvement, such as formally recognising young people's achievements and continuing to work together to improve attainment.

ENQ/2024/1423 – Masterplan for Inchmarlo Site OP2

This item relates to the Masterplan for Inchmarlo Site OP2, which is allocated for 120 homes as an expansion of the Inchmarlo Continuing Care Community. The Masterplan, prepared in accordance with Policy P1 of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023, sets out the general layout and approach for subsequent planning applications. It addresses considerations such as housing design, connectivity, landscaping, tree retention, and flood risk, and has been subject to public consultation. The committee is recommended to agree the Masterplan as the context for future planning applications.

APP/2026/1010 – Land at Inchmarlo, Banchory

This application seeks to amend the phasing of a previously approved development for tourism, leisure, hotel, lodges, and 95 residential units. The applicant wishes to build the final 15 residential units at East Mains before the hotel is operational. The report details the planning history, supporting information, representations received, and consultations undertaken. The planning service is recommending to grant permission subject to amended conditions.

Festive Lights Policy Review 2026

The committee will be asked to provide comments to the Infrastructure Services Committee on proposed changes to the Festive Lights and Bunting Policy. The review aims to create a more permissive framework for community-led installations, with a focus on Full Cost Recovery for infrastructure upgrades and electricity costs exceeding an agreed allocation. Public engagement has shown broad support for community decision-making but opposition to shifting costs onto communities.

Aboyne Bridge – Engagement Plan and Progress Update

An update will be provided on the Aboyne Bridge project, including the proposed community engagement plan for Autumn/Winter 2026. Technical assessments are ongoing for two options: a new modular bridge or repairs to the existing bridge. The engagement plan, developed with the Aboyne Bridge Action Committee (ABAC), includes online FAQs, traffic studies, community surveys, and drop-in sessions. The committee is asked to note and agree this approach.

Supplementary Environment and Infrastructure Services Directorate Procurement Plan - Procurement Approval

This item is listed for consideration with the press and public excluded, as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to expenditure under a contract for the acquisition of property or supply of goods or services.

ACT2 (Aberdeenshire Charities Trust) Applications

Applications to the Aberdeenshire Charities Trust (ACT2) will be considered. These applications are also listed for consideration with the press and public excluded, as they relate to information about applicants for financial assistance from the Council.