The Licensing Sub-Committee of Aberdeenshire Council met on Friday, 02 October 2026, to determine two applications for short-term let licences. Both applications, for properties at Rowanlea House in Marykirk and 6 Jan Mayen Drive in Peterhead, were granted after objections were considered.

Application for Short-Term Let Licence at Rowanlea House, Marykirk

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a short-term let licence for Rowanlea House, Kirktonhill Road, Marykirk, Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, AB30 1XA. Objections had been lodged by Allan Middleton and Heather Anderson.

The committee first determined which aspects of the objections were competent and relevant. It was agreed that issues relating to noise, nuisance, safety, and security were potentially relevant. However, matters concerning title deeds, boundaries, and a hot tub and fairy lights (which related to a different property) were deemed not relevant to the licensing application. Parking and road safety were also considered outside the remit of the licensing scheme, falling under planning and road traffic legislation.

During the hearing, applicant Lorna Hutchison explained that she and her husband had operated Rowanlea Lodge, a neighbouring property, for some time and wished to expand their business to their family home. She addressed the objectors' concerns by highlighting the significant distance between properties, the installation of modern, energy-efficient heating and soundproofing, and the absence of plans to install a hot tub at Rowanlea House. She also detailed their robust guest management system, including security deposits and remote CCTV monitoring, and stated that Rowanlea Lodge had a proven track record with no complaints.

Following the hearing, Councillor L. McWhinnie proposed a motion to approve the short-term licence, seconded by Councillor M. Grant. The motion was carried unanimously, and the licence was granted for a period of three years with standard conditions.

Application for Short-Term Let Licence at 6 Jan Mayen Drive, Peterhead

The Sub-Committee then considered an application for a short-term let licence for 6 Jan Mayen Drive, Peterhead, AB42 3PX. Objections were received from Liam Franklin and David Watt.

The committee determined that issues relating to noise, nuisance, the location, character, and condition of the premises, as well as safety and security, were potentially relevant. Parking, road safety, and loss of residential amenities were deemed outside the scope of the licensing scheme, falling under planning and road traffic legislation. The objection regarding cumulative impact was also dismissed, as Aberdeenshire Council had not introduced planning control zones or over-provision policies for short-term lets.

Ian Donaldson, representing Donside Properties Ltd, explained that the property was purchased with the intention of his son potentially residing there in the future, as his work with National Gas may transfer to the St Fergus site. The short-term let would provide accommodation for his son when needed and generate income to offset property costs. He highlighted a shortage of quality accommodation in the Peterhead area, particularly with major infrastructure projects like the SSE Eastern Greenlink Project expected to bring a significant number of workers to the region.

Mr. Donaldson addressed the objections by stating that the property would be professionally managed, with guests provided with clear terms and conditions. He noted the absence of other short-term lets within the development and highlighted the ample private parking available. He also argued that the Peterhead housing market had a sufficient supply of residential properties, and the proposed use would not materially impact availability.

After hearing from Mr. Donaldson and the officers, Councillor G. Grant proposed a motion to accept the application, seconded by Councillor L. McWhinnie. The motion was carried unanimously, and the licence was granted for a period of three years with standard conditions.

The meeting concluded with the public and press being excluded for the consideration of further confidential items.