The Aberdeenshire Council Local Review Body met to discuss several planning applications, with decisions made on the refusal of planning permissions for various developments. Key issues included flood risks, compliance with local and national planning policies, and the suitability of proposed developments in rural and residential areas.

LRB 606 - Erection of Dwellinghouse at Land to East of Inveran, Grampian Terrace, Torphins

The Local Review Body reviewed a Notice of Review against the refusal of planning permission in principle for the erection of a dwellinghouse at Land to East of Inveran, Grampian Terrace, Torphins. The Appointed Officer had refused the application due to concerns about pluvial flooding and inadequate drainage solutions, citing non-compliance with Policy C4 Flooding and Policy RD1 Providing Suitable Services of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023, as well as Policy 22 Flood risk and water management of the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4).

The Local Review Body debated whether a higher specification drainage system and a robust maintenance regime could be conditioned. Ultimately, the majority voted to dismiss the Notice of Review and uphold the refusal, agreeing that the proposed development did not comply with the relevant policies.

LRB 607 - Change of Use of Land to Storage Yard at Cairnmuir, Memsie, Fraserburgh

The Local Review Body considered a Notice of Review against the refusal of full planning permission for the change of use of land to a storage yard (Class 6) at Cairnmuir, Memsie, Fraserburgh. The Appointed Officer had refused the application, stating that the proposal exceeded the 'small scale' employment development allowed under Policy R1 Special Rural Areas and Policy R2 Development Proposals Elsewhere in the Countryside of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023, and Policy 26 Business and industry of NPF4.

The Local Review Body unanimously agreed to dismiss the Notice of Review and uphold the refusal, concluding that the proposal did not meet policy requirements and lacked sufficient justification for additional employment land in Memsie.

LRB 608 - Alterations and Extension to Dwellinghouse at Orchard View, High Street, Drumlithie

The Local Review Body reviewed a Notice of Review against the refusal of full planning permission for alterations and an extension to a dwellinghouse at Orchard View, High Street, Drumlithie. The Appointed Officer had refused the application, citing concerns about the design's compatibility with the area's character and its impact on neighbouring amenity, referencing Policy P1 Layout, Siting and Design and Policy P3 Infill Developments within Settlements and Householders Developments of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023, and Policy 14 Design, quality and place and Policy 16 Quality homes of NPF4.

After consideration, the Local Review Body unanimously agreed to uphold the Notice of Review and grant full planning permission, determining that the proposed extension was an acceptable design and did not detrimentally impact neighbouring properties.

LRB 609 - Erection of Dwellinghouse at Land to North of Tilliehashlach, Monymusk

The Local Review Body considered a Notice of Review against the refusal of planning permission in principle for the erection of a dwellinghouse at Land to North of Tilliehashlach, Monymusk. The Appointed Officer had refused the application, stating that the site was not a brownfield opportunity and lacked justification for a house for an essential worker, citing Policy R2 Development Proposals Elsewhere in the Countryside of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023 and Policy 9 Brownfield, vacant and derelict land and empty buildings and Policy 17 Rural homes of NPF4.

The Local Review Body unanimously agreed to dismiss the Notice of Review and uphold the refusal, concluding that the site did not qualify as a brownfield opportunity and did not meet the criteria for development.

LRB 610 - Erection of Dwellinghouse at Little Mellenside, Insch

The Local Review Body reviewed a Notice of Review against the refusal of planning permission in principle for the erection of a dwellinghouse at Little Mellenside, Insch. The Appointed Officer had refused the application, citing that the site was not a redundant brownfield site and that the development would have a detrimental impact on the landscape character, referencing Policy R2 Development Proposals Elsewhere in the Countryside, Policy E2 Landscape, and Policy P1 Layout, siting and design of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023, and Policy 17 Rural homes and Policy 14 Design, quality and place of NPF4.

The Local Review Body unanimously agreed to dismiss the Notice of Review and uphold the refusal, determining that the site had naturalised and did not constitute a brownfield land opportunity, and that the proposed development would negatively impact the landscape character.