The Buchan Area Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. The agenda includes discussions on planning applications, the draft School Capacity, Reserved Places and Admission Limit Policy, the Peterhead 2040 Vision and Peterhead Partnership Place Plan 2026-2036, and updates on key Aberdeenshire Council-led or facilitated projects in Peterhead.

Planning Applications

The committee is expected to consider the following planning applications:

Erection of Dwellinghouse and Outbuilding at Plot 3, Land at Burnhead, St Fergus

This application, reference APP/2026/0769, seeks full planning permission for a dwellinghouse and outbuilding at Plot 3, Land at Burnhead, St Fergus, AB42 3HS. The report pack indicates that the proposal is recommended for refusal as it is considered not to be in accordance with the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023 and National Planning Framework 4. The primary concerns relate to the development extending onto greenfield land beyond an established brownfield site, which is contrary to policies R2 and 17 respectively. The report notes that while a previous planning permission exists for a dwelling on this site, the current application's expansion onto agricultural land is seen as an unjustified encroachment into the countryside. Concerns have also been raised by a neighbour regarding the proposed outbuilding's impact on daylight and the potential threat to water supply infrastructure.

Siting of Cabin and Mobile Sauna at Land at Port Erroll Harbour, Port Erroll, Cruden Bay

This application, reference APP/2026/1022, seeks full planning permission for the siting of a cabin and mobile sauna at Land at Port Erroll Harbour, Port Erroll, Cruden Bay, AB42 0NB. The report recommends granting permission, stating the proposal aligns with Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023 and National Planning Framework 4 policies, particularly those relating to tourism and infill development. The site is within the Port Erroll Cruden Bay Conservation Area and under the jurisdiction of the Port Erroll Harbour Trust. While the application is recommended for approval, it was deferred at a previous meeting to allow for further information regarding traffic and parking impacts from the Port Erroll Harbour Cruden Bay Trust. Eight objections have been received, raising concerns about the impact on the harbour area, parking, emergency vehicle access, neighbouring amenity, and safety within a working harbour.

School Capacity, Reserved Places and Admission Limit Policy

The committee is scheduled to consider and make comment on the draft School Capacity, Reserved Places and Admission Limit Policy. This policy aims to consolidate existing arrangements and establish a consistent, transparent, and evidence-based methodology for determining school capacities, reserved places, and admission limits across Aberdeenshire's primary and secondary schools. The policy, if approved by the Education & Children's Services Committee on 3 December 2026, will be implemented with immediate effect. It seeks to support effective planning and management of the school estate, ensuring equitable access for in-zone pupils and supporting workforce and financial planning.

Peterhead 2040 Vision and Peterhead Partnership Place Plan 2026-2036

The committee is expected to discuss the Peterhead 2040 Vision and the Peterhead Partnership Place Plan 2026-2036. The committee is recommended to endorse Peterhead 2040 as the shared long-term vision for Peterhead and its surrounding communities, including Boddam, Cruden Bay, Longhaven, and St Fergus. This vision is organised around four themes: Living Well Locally; Skills, Education and Enterprise; Blue and Green Natural Spaces; and Heritage, Townscape and Built Environment. The committee is also asked to endorse the Peterhead Partnership Place Plan as the framework for coordinating place-based partnership activity and delivery in support of this vision. This plan aims to connect community priorities, local evidence, partner activity, and investment around shared outcomes.

Update - Peterhead Projects

The committee will receive an update on key Aberdeenshire Council-led or facilitated projects in Peterhead. This includes updates on the Peterhead Community Campus, where steel erection has commenced and social value programmes are engaging young people and supporting jobs. The Peterhead Cultural Quarter project, part of the Cultural Tides: North Sea Connections in Aberdeenshire programme, is also being updated, with steelwork for the new extension at Arbuthnot House progressing. The report also notes ongoing work to identify a sustainable future for the Carnegie Building and continued investment in other Peterhead schools through planned maintenance programmes. A tracker of major projects in Peterhead is attached to the report.