The Buchan Area Committee meeting on Tuesday 22 September 2026 saw councillors discuss a range of local issues, including the positive inspection report for Peterhead Central School and Nursery Class, and the proposed changes to the Festive Lights Policy. The committee also considered several planning applications and approved funding for local projects.

Education Scotland Inspection Report – Peterhead Central School and Nursery Class

Brian Curb, head teacher of Peterhead Central School, presented the overwhelmingly positive Education Scotland inspection report. The school received good ratings for leadership of change, learning, teaching and assessment, and ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion. The report highlighted the significant progress made since August 2025, praising the strong strategic direction, positive and nurturing ethos, and effective learning environments. The inspectors also commended the school's partnerships with families and agencies, and its breakfast provision and school food bank. The only area for development identified was satisfactory for raising attainment and achievement, with a focus on improving literacy, numeracy, and pupils' articulation of skills gained through wider achievements. Councillor Leeann McWhinnie praised the report and asked for further detail on how attainment would be raised consistently across the school, to which Mr Curb explained the school's strategic approach to literacy, including daily reading, the use of Accelerated Reader, and intervention groups. Councillor Colin Simpson also echoed the positive feedback, highlighting the strong sense of belonging, wellbeing, inclusion, and equality. The committee was recommended to consider and provide comment to the education service on the report.

Festive Lights Policy Review 2026

Robert McGregor, Senior Engineer, presented proposals for a revised approach to festive lights attached to street lighting infrastructure. The current policy restricts installations to areas of high footfall, but a proposed change, agreed in principle by the Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC), would remove these location restrictions, provided communities fund necessary infrastructure upgrades. A new formula for allocating funded electricity, based on population, would also be introduced to cap energy use. Communities would be expected to cover any costs exceeding their allocation, with a five-yearly approval period for additional installations to manage administrative burden.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about the financial burden on communities, particularly smaller ones, and the fairness of the proposed population-based allocation. Councillor Chapman questioned the need for strengthened columns for what he considered minimal weight, while Councillor Matheson expressed concerns about cumulative traffic impacts related to the Port Erroll Harbour application. Councillor Powell supported the amendment to approve the Port Erroll Harbour application, noting the income generated for the Harbour Trust. Councillor Chapman proposed an amendment to approve the Port Erroll Harbour application, seconded by Councillor Powell, stating sufficient information was available. Councillor Schmidt supported the motion to defer the Port Erroll Harbour application for further information, particularly regarding traffic management. After debate, the motion to defer the Port Erroll Harbour application for further information, to be requested from the Harbour Trust Board on traffic concerns, was carried.

Regarding the Festive Lights Policy, councillors expressed concerns about the five-year upfront electricity charge, suggesting it was onerous for volunteer groups. Councillor Smith asked for an indication of potential costs, and Councillor McQueenie suggested a breakdown by area. Councillor Matheson echoed concerns about smaller communities being hit hardest. Councillor Chapman raised the issue of community groups folding and the implications for advance payments. Councillor Simpson suggested a review of the council's own energy use. Councillor Powell noted the potential for joint allocations between neighbouring settlements. Robert McGregor explained the population-based calculation and the potential for redistribution of surplus allocations. He also clarified that the five-year period was for administrative efficiency and that costs would be based on kilowatt hours, not monetary value. The committee was recommended to note the feedback from the public engagement exercise and provide comment to the ISC on the proposed changes.

Planning Applications

Land to the North-East of Claypots Croft, Mintlaw (APP/2026/0546)

Laura Adding, senior planner, presented the application for full planning permission for the erection of a dwellinghouse at Land to the North-East of Claypots Croft. The proposal was a change of house design to a previously approved application. The planning service recommended approval as a departure from policy R2 of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan and policies 9 and 17 of the NPF4, due to the inclusion of greenfield land. Councillor Powell and Councillor Croson both recalled the previous application and expressed no issues with the current proposal. The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to conditions.

Plot 3, Land at Burnhead, St Fergus (APP/2026/0769)

Laura Dingwall, senior planner, presented the application for full planning permission for the erection of a dwellinghouse and outbuilding at Plot 3, Land at Burnhead, St Fergus. The planning service recommended refusal because the applicant incorporated greenfield land for the majority of the proposed house, contrary to policies supporting brownfield redevelopment. Councillor McQueenie requested a comparison for the 460sqm of greenfield land, and Councillor Chapman sought clarity on the water main issue. Marianne Evans, the applicant's agent, explained that the additional land was necessary due to the identification of a water main and its standoff zone, which was not present in the original planning permission. She argued that the previously approved plot was insufficient for a practical layout. Councillor McQueenie moved for a site visit, seconded by Councillor Crowson, which was agreed by the committee.

Land at Port Erroll Harbour, Port Erroll, Cruden Bay (APP/2026/1022)

Laura Dingwall presented the application for full planning permission for the siting of a cabin and mobile sauna at Land at Port Erroll Harbour. The application was recommended for approval, citing policies supporting new tourist facilities. Concerns were raised by Councillor Matheson regarding cumulative traffic impacts, leading to a motion to defer consideration pending further assessment. Councillor Chapman seconded an amendment to approve the application, stating sufficient information was available. Councillor Schmidt supported the motion to defer, noting that a traffic management review was planned. After debate, the motion to defer the application for further information, to be requested from the Harbour Trust Board on traffic concerns, was carried.

Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2027-2032

Clark Diehl, affordable housing officer, presented the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2027-2032. The plan aims to guide affordable housing investment across Aberdeenshire and could deliver 2,278 properties, including 434 in the Buchan area. Councillor Powell asked for clarification on the empty properties table and the term LCHO staircasing, which Mr Diehl explained would be provided in a briefing paper. The committee was recommended to provide comment to Communities Committee on the draft SHIP.

Update – Peterhead Projects

Amanda Roe, Area Manager, provided an update on key Aberdeenshire Council-led projects in Peterhead. The Peterhead Community Campus remains on programme, with construction activity visible on site. The Peterhead Cultural Quarter project has completed demolition works, with internal soft strip works underway. Images of the construction progress were shared. Councillor Chapman inquired about community buy-in for Site 2 of the Community Campus, and Amanda Roe confirmed that community engagement had not yet begun but would be a priority once the scope was clearer. The committee was recommended to acknowledge the updates on the Peterhead Community Campus and Peterhead Cultural Quarter, and to note the progress on other projects.

Buchan Area Project Grant Fund Applications 2026/2027

Theresa Wood presented the applications for the Buchan Area Project Grant Fund. Five applications were considered: Longside Football Club (£2,000), Strichen Community Park Company (£2,000), New Deer Community Association (£2,000), Peterhead Sailing Club (£1,874.82), and Maud Village Trust (£2,000). All applications were approved, totalling £9,874.82, leaving a balance of £3,425.18 to be disbursed by the Area Manager in consultation with the chair and vice chair.

Education Scotland Inspection Report – Peterhead Central School and Nursery Class

Brian Curb, head teacher of Peterhead Central School, presented the inspection report, which was overwhelmingly positive. The school received good ratings for leadership, learning, teaching, assessment, and wellbeing, equality, and inclusion. The report highlighted the significant progress made since August 2025, praising the strong strategic direction, positive ethos, and nurturing learning environments. The inspectors also commended partnerships with families and agencies, and the school's breakfast provision and food bank. The only area for development was satisfactory for raising attainment and achievement, with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and pupils' articulation of skills. Councillor Leeann McWhinnie asked for further details on how attainment would be raised consistently, and Mr Curb explained the school's strategies for literacy, including daily reading and intervention groups. Councillor Colin Simpson also praised the report, noting the strong sense of belonging and wellbeing. The committee was recommended to consider and provide comment to the education service on the report.

Planning Application Reference No: APP/2026/0546 – Land to the North-East of Claypots Croft, Mintlaw

Laura Adding, senior planner, presented the application for full planning permission for the erection of a dwellinghouse. The proposal was a change of house design to a previously approved application. The planning service recommended approval as a departure from policy due to the inclusion of greenfield land. Councillors Powell and Croson recalled the previous application and supported the current proposal. The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to conditions.

Planning Application Reference No: APP/2026/0769 – Plot 3, Land at Burnhead, St Fergus

Laura Dingwall, senior planner, presented the application for full planning permission for the erection of a dwellinghouse and outbuilding. The planning service recommended refusal because the proposal incorporated greenfield land, contrary to policies supporting brownfield redevelopment. Councillor McQueenie requested further information on the scale of the greenfield land, and Councillor Chapman sought clarification on the water main issue. Marianne Evans, the applicant's agent, explained that the additional land was necessary due to the identification of a water main and its standoff zone. Councillor McQueenie moved for a site visit, seconded by Councillor Crowson, which was agreed by the committee.

Planning Application Reference No: APP/2026/1022 – Land at Port Erroll Harbour, Port Erroll, Cruden Bay

Laura Dingwall presented the application for full planning permission for the siting of a cabin and mobile sauna. The application was recommended for approval, citing policies supporting new tourist facilities. Councillor Matheson raised concerns about cumulative traffic impacts, leading to a motion to defer consideration pending further assessment. Councillor Chapman seconded an amendment to approve the application, stating sufficient information was available. Councillor Schmidt supported the motion to defer, noting that a traffic management review was planned. After debate, the motion to defer the application for further information, to be requested from the Harbour Trust Board on traffic concerns, was carried.

Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2027-2032

Clark Diehl, affordable housing officer, presented the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2027-2032. The plan aims to guide affordable housing investment across Aberdeenshire and could deliver 2,278 properties, including 434 in the Buchan area. Councillor Powell asked for clarification on the empty properties table and the term LCHO staircasing, which Mr Diehl explained would be provided in a briefing paper. The committee was recommended to provide comment to Communities Committee on the draft SHIP.

Update – Peterhead Projects

Amanda Roe, Area Manager, provided an update on key Aberdeenshire Council-led projects in Peterhead. The Peterhead Community Campus remains on programme, with construction activity visible on site. The Peterhead Cultural Quarter project has completed demolition works, with internal soft strip works underway. Images of the construction progress were shared. Councillor Chapman inquired about community buy-in for Site 2 of the Community Campus, and Amanda Roe confirmed that community engagement had not yet begun but would be a priority once the scope was clearer. The committee was recommended to acknowledge the updates on the Peterhead Community Campus and Peterhead Cultural Quarter, and to note the progress of other projects.

Buchan Area Project Grant Fund Applications 2026/2027

Theresa Wood presented the applications for the Buchan Area Project Grant Fund. Five applications were considered: Longside Football Club (£2,000), Strichen Community Park Company (£2,000), New Deer Community Association (£2,000), Peterhead Sailing Club (£1,874.82), and Maud Village Trust (£2,000). All applications were approved, totalling £9,874.82, leaving a balance of £3,425.18 to be disbursed by the Area Manager in consultation with the chair and vice chair.

Festive Lights Policy Review 2026

Robert McGregor, Senior Engineer, presented proposals for a revised approach to festive lights attached to street lighting infrastructure. The current policy restricts installations to areas of high footfall, but a proposed change would remove these restrictions, provided communities fund necessary infrastructure upgrades. A new formula for allocating funded electricity, based on population, would also be introduced to cap energy use. Communities would be expected to cover any costs exceeding their allocation, with a five-yearly approval period for additional installations.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about the financial burden on communities, particularly smaller ones, and the fairness of the proposed population-based allocation. Councillor Chapman questioned the need for strengthened columns for what he considered minimal weight, while Councillor Matheson expressed concerns about cumulative traffic impacts related to the Port Erroll Harbour application. Councillor Powell supported the amendment to approve the Port Erroll Harbour application, noting the income generated for the Harbour Trust. Councillor Chapman proposed an amendment to approve the Port Erroll Harbour application, seconded by Councillor Powell, stating sufficient information was available. Councillor Schmidt supported the motion to defer, noting that a traffic management review was planned. After debate, the motion to defer the Port Erroll Harbour application for further information, to be requested from the Harbour Trust Board on traffic concerns, was carried.

Regarding the Festive Lights Policy, councillors expressed concerns about the five-year upfront electricity charge, suggesting it was onerous for volunteer groups. Councillor Smith asked for an indication of potential costs, and Councillor McQueenie suggested a breakdown by area. Councillor Matheson echoed concerns about smaller communities being hit hardest. Councillor Chapman raised the issue of community groups folding and the implications for advance payments. Councillor Simpson suggested a review of the council's own energy use. Councillor Powell supported the amendment to approve the Port Erroll Harbour application, noting the income generated for the Harbour Trust. Councillor Chapman proposed an amendment to approve the Port Erroll Harbour application, seconded by Councillor Powell, stating sufficient information was available. Councillor Schmidt supported the motion to defer, noting that a traffic management review was planned. After debate, the motion to defer the Port Erroll Harbour application for further information, to be requested from the Harbour Trust Board on traffic concerns, was carried. The committee was recommended to note the feedback from the public engagement exercise and provide comment to the ISC on the proposed changes.

Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2027-2032

Clark Diehl, affordable housing officer, presented the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2027-2032. The plan aims to guide affordable housing investment across Aberdeenshire and could deliver 2,278 properties, including 434 in the Buchan area. Councillor Powell asked for clarification on the empty properties table and the term LCHO staircasing, which Mr Diehl explained would be provided in a briefing paper. The committee was recommended to provide comment to Communities Committee on the draft SHIP.

Update – Peterhead Projects

Amanda Roe, Area Manager, provided an update on key Aberdeenshire Council-led projects in Peterhead. The Peterhead Community Campus remains on programme, with construction activity visible on site. The Peterhead Cultural Quarter project has completed demolition works, with internal soft strip works underway. Images of the construction progress were shared. Councillor Chapman inquired about community buy-in for Site 2 of the Community Campus, and Amanda Roe confirmed that community engagement had not yet begun but would be a priority once the scope was clearer. The committee was recommended to acknowledge the updates on the Peterhead Community Campus and Peterhead Cultural Quarter, and to note the progress of other projects.

Buchan Area Project Grant Fund Applications 2026/2027

Theresa Wood presented the applications for the Buchan Area Project Grant Fund. Five applications were considered: Longside Football Club (£2,000), Strichen Community Park Company (£2,000), New Deer Community Association (£2,000), Peterhead Sailing Club (£1,874.82), and Maud Village Trust (£2,000). All applications were approved, totalling £9,874.82, leaving a balance of £3,425.18 to be disbursed by the Area Manager in consultation with the chair and vice chair.

Education Scotland Inspection Report – Peterhead Central School and Nursery Class

Brian Curb, head teacher of Peterhead Central School, presented the inspection report, which was overwhelmingly positive. The school received good ratings for leadership, learning, teaching, assessment, and wellbeing, equality, and inclusion. The report highlighted the significant progress made since August 2025, praising the strong strategic direction, positive ethos, and nurturing learning environments. The inspectors also commended partnerships with families and agencies, and the school's breakfast provision and food bank. The only area for development was satisfactory for raising attainment and achievement, with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and pupils' articulation of skills. Councillor Leeann McWhinnie asked for further details on how attainment would be raised consistently, and Mr Curb explained the school's strategies for literacy, including daily reading and intervention groups. Councillor Colin Simpson also praised the report, noting the strong sense of belonging and wellbeing. The committee was recommended to consider and provide comment to the education service on the report.

Planning Application Reference No: APP/2026/0546 – Land to the North-East of Claypots Croft, Mintlaw

Laura Adding, senior planner, presented the application for full planning permission for the erection of a dwellinghouse. The proposal was a change of house design to a previously approved application. The planning service recommended approval as a departure from policy due to the inclusion of greenfield land. Councillors Powell and Croson recalled the previous application and supported the current proposal. The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to conditions.

Planning Application Reference No: APP/2026/0769 – Plot 3, Land at Burnhead, St Fergus

Laura Dingwall, senior planner, presented the application for full planning permission for the erection of a dwellinghouse and outbuilding. The planning service recommended refusal because the proposal incorporated greenfield land, contrary to policies supporting brownfield redevelopment. Councillor McQueenie requested further information on the scale of the greenfield land, and Councillor Chapman sought clarification on the water main issue. Marianne Evans, the applicant's agent, explained that the additional land was necessary due to the identification of a water main and its standoff zone. Councillor McQueenie moved for a site visit, seconded by Councillor Crowson, which was agreed by the committee.

Planning Application Reference No: APP/2026/1022 – Land at Port Erroll Harbour, Port Erroll, Cruden Bay

Laura Dingwall presented the application for full planning permission for the siting of a cabin and mobile sauna. The application was recommended for approval, citing policies supporting new tourist facilities. Councillor Matheson raised concerns about cumulative traffic impacts, leading to a motion to defer consideration pending further assessment. Councillor Chapman seconded an amendment to approve the application, stating sufficient information was available. Councillor Schmidt supported the motion to defer, noting that a traffic management review was planned. After debate, the motion to defer the application for further information, to be requested from the Harbour Trust Board on traffic concerns, was carried.

Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2027-2032

Clark Diehl, affordable housing officer, presented the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2027-2032. The plan aims to guide affordable housing investment across Aberdeenshire and could deliver 2,278 properties, including 434 in the Buchan area. Councillor Powell asked for clarification on the empty properties table and the term LCHO staircasing, which Mr Diehl explained would be provided in a briefing paper. The committee was recommended to provide comment to Communities Committee on the draft SHIP.

Update – Peterhead Projects

Amanda Roe, Area Manager, provided an update on key Aberdeenshire Council-led projects in Peterhead. The Peterhead Community Campus remains on programme, with construction activity visible on site. The Peterhead Cultural Quarter project has completed demolition works, with internal soft strip works underway. Images of the construction progress were shared. Councillor Chapman inquired about community buy-in for Site 2 of the Community Campus, and Amanda Roe confirmed that community engagement had not yet begun but would be a priority once the scope was clearer. The committee was recommended to acknowledge the updates on the Peterhead Community Campus and Peterhead Cultural Quarter, and to note the progress of other projects.

Buchan Area Project Grant Fund Applications 2026/2027

Theresa Wood presented the applications for the Buchan Area Project Grant Fund. Five applications were considered: Longside Football Club (£2,000), Strichen Community Park Company (£2,000), New Deer Community Association (£2,000), Peterhead Sailing Club (£1,874.82), and Maud Village Trust (£2,000). All applications were approved, totalling £9,874.82, leaving a balance of £3,425.18 to be disbursed by the Area Manager in consultation with the chair and vice chair.

The meeting also included the presentation of the Education Scotland Inspection Report for Peterhead Central School and Nursery Class, which was met with positive feedback. Councillors also discussed the proposed changes to the Festive Lights Policy, with concerns raised about the financial implications for communities. Several planning applications were considered, including one for a dwellinghouse near Mintlaw, which was recommended for approval as a departure from policy. An application for a dwellinghouse and outbuilding at Burnhead, St Fergus, was recommended for refusal due to the incorporation of greenfield land, and a site visit was agreed. An application for a cabin and mobile sauna at Port Erroll Harbour was deferred for further information regarding traffic impacts. The draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2027-2032 was presented, and updates were provided on key Peterhead projects, including the Community Campus and Cultural Quarter. Finally, the committee approved funding for five local projects through the Buchan Area Project Grant Fund.