The Local Review Body of Aberdeen City Council met on Monday 26 October 2026 to review two planning decisions. The body upheld the refusal of planning permission for alterations to a boundary wall and the formation of a driveway at 43 King's Gate, Aberdeen. However, they overturned the refusal for a change of use application at 63 Erskine Street, Aberdeen, to allow for short-term let accommodation.

43 King's Gate, Aberdeen: Boundary Wall Alterations and Driveway Formation

The Local Review Body considered the refusal of detailed planning permission for alterations to a boundary wall and the formation of a driveway at 43 King's Gate, Aberdeen (planning reference 260107). The original application was refused by the appointed officer on two grounds: road safety and harm to the character and appearance of the Albyn Place and Rubislaw Conservation Area.

The applicant sought to create an accessible off-street parking space, a ramped access, a bin store, and an EV charger. A significant portion of the existing granite boundary wall was proposed to be removed to facilitate the driveway. The applicant argued that the proposal was essential to address the mobility needs of a resident, as there was no existing private parking and on-street parking was distant. They also contended that the road safety concerns were not supported by measured evidence and that the heritage impact could be mitigated through retaining granite piers and reusing reclaimed materials.

However, the Roads Development Management Team objected due to the proximity of the proposed driveway to an existing access serving a neighbouring flatted development, raising concerns about compromised visibility and road safety. Historic Environment Scotland's guidance on 'Managing Change in the Historic Environment' was also cited, highlighting the importance of retaining historic boundary walls. The Aberdeen Civic Society also objected, stating that the proposal would detract from the character of the streetscape.

After reviewing the evidence and hearing from planning advisor Lucy Greene, the members of the Local Review Body unanimously decided to uphold the officer's decision. Councillor Neil Copland, Councillor Donna Clark, and Councillor Kairin van Sweeden all agreed that the concerns regarding road safety and the impact on the conservation area were significant enough to refuse the application. They felt that the proposed driveway's proximity to the existing junction and the removal of a substantial section of the historic granite wall would negatively impact the area's character and safety.

63 Erskine Street, Aberdeen: Change of Use to Short-Term Let Accommodation

The Local Review Body then reviewed the refusal of detailed planning permission for a change of use of a basement flat at 63 Erskine Street, Aberdeen, to short-term let (STL) accommodation for a maximum of two people (planning reference 260557). The original decision cited a significantly harmful impact on the residential amenity of the neighbouring flat at Basement Floor Left (BFL), which shares a communal access and hallway. Concerns were raised about transient guests, frequent cleaning, and the potential for disturbance, noise, and a perceived lack of security.

The applicant presented new information, including historic operational records of the property being used as an STL, a statement from the BFL tenant confirming no issues during the STL's operation, and photographs of the shared access and lighting improvements. They argued that the predicted harm was overstated, citing the limited occupancy, management arrangements, and the positive experience of the neighbouring tenant. The applicant also referred to comparable Aberdeen Local Review Body decisions where similar STL applications sharing communal access with a residential flat had been approved.

The planning advisor, Lucy Greene, presented the relevant policies, including those relating to residential amenity, placemaking, and tourism. She noted that while the proposal was small-scale, the shared access with only one other residential flat was a key consideration. The Roads Development Management Team and the Waste and Recycling Team raised no objections.

Following a discussion, the Local Review Body decided to overturn the officer's decision. Councillor Copland was in favour of overturning the decision, citing the new information from the current tenant and the history of the property's operation as an STL. Councillor Clark, while acknowledging the concerns raised by Councillor van Sweeden regarding the proximity of doors and shared spaces, ultimately agreed to overturn the decision. Councillor van Sweeden, however, voted to uphold the officer's decision, expressing concerns about the potential for future issues with different tenants and the shared facilities.

By a majority decision, the Local Review Body overturned the officer's refusal. They agreed to grant planning permission for the change of use to short-term let accommodation, with a condition for a five-year temporary permission. This condition was suggested to allow for reassessment of the use in relation to housing need and demand over time. The decision was based on the amenity of the neighbouring flat not being impaired, the history of operation, and the management arrangements in place.