The Local Review Body of Aberdeen City Council met on Monday 10 August 2026 to consider two planning applications. The Body unanimously agreed to uphold the appointed officer's decision to refuse a change of use application for a short-term let at 21B Springbank Street, Aberdeen. The Body also unanimously agreed to approve a detailed planning permission application for the erection of a dwelling house and subdivision of a feu at Land to the East of Birchwood, 1 South Avenue, Aberdeen, subject to conditions.

Review of Decision to Refuse Application for Change of Use to Short-Term Let at 21B Springbank Street, Aberdeen

The Local Review Body (LRB) unanimously agreed to uphold the appointed officer's decision to refuse planning permission for the change of use of a basement flat at 21B Springbank Street, Aberdeen, to a short-term let (STL) accommodation for a maximum of two people. The primary reason for refusal was the significant adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents within the building, due to diminished privacy, sense of security, and enjoyment of shared garden grounds and access routes. Concerns were raised about the narrow, unlit passage to the west of the building and the need to traverse a communal courtyard, leading to strangers and frequently changing guests in semi-private areas. The LRB agreed that screening would not be feasible due to the close proximity of properties and the adverse impact it would have on neighbouring amenity. Consequently, the proposal was deemed not to meet the criteria for non-householder development in residential areas under Policy H1 of the Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2023 (ALDP) and failed to provide adequate amenity, contravening Policy 14 of the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and Policies D1 and H1 of the ALDP.

Review of Non-Determination of Application for Erection of Dwelling House and Subdivision of Feu at Land to the East of Birchwood, 1 South Avenue, Aberdeen

The LRB unanimously agreed to approve the application for detailed planning permission for the erection of a dwelling house and subdivision of a feu at Land to the East of Birchwood, 1 South Avenue, Aberdeen, subject to conditions. The appointed officer had recommended refusal due to concerns about overdevelopment, impact on the character and appearance of the area, adverse impact on residential amenity, and potential damage to protected trees.

However, the LRB, after considering the evidence and hearing from planning advisor Ms Lucy Greene, decided to approve the application. The LRB found that the proposed dwellinghouse and curtilage layout would be of an appropriate design, scale, site coverage, and siting, and would not detract from the character and appearance of the surrounding area or constitute overdevelopment. They considered the proposal to be consistent with Policy 16 of NPF4 regarding the delivery of quality homes in sustainable locations and aligned with the overall spatial strategy. The LRB was satisfied that the proposal could co-exist with neighbouring properties and that any change in outlook would not result in an unacceptable impact on residential amenity under Policy H1.

The LRB approved the application subject to several conditions, including:

• Services: No works to provide passing places or digging would take place within the root protection areas of any trees, and pipes or cables for services would be laid in complete accordance with an approved layout plan and construction method statement.
• Materials: Full details and samples of external materials would be submitted and agreed in writing.
• Landscaping: A detailed scheme of soft and hard landscaping, including tree protection measures, would be submitted and implemented.
• SUDS: A scheme of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems would be submitted and installed.
• Tree Protection: Agreed tree protection measures would be in place before development commences, and no tree works would be undertaken without prior written consent.
• No Fires or Storage under Trees: No fires or storage would be permitted within protected tree areas.

The LRB noted that the applicant had addressed concerns regarding the gas line and services, and that the density calculations and separation distances were considered acceptable. They also acknowledged the significant support for the application from numerous residents and community members.