The Garioch Area Committee convened to discuss a range of issues, including planning applications, school inspections, and local initiatives. The committee approved an application for occasional licences for the Burn O Bennie Distillery and supported a school street scheme in Inverurie.

Here's a more detailed look at the key topics:

• [Kellands Primary School Street Scheme][Kellands Primary School Street Scheme Report.pdf] The committee agreed to support the Kellands Primary School Street Scheme for 18 months and to allow the council to progress a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO). This scheme aims to restrict vehicle access on Martin Brae and Upper Manse Road, Inverurie, during school pick-up and drop-off times to address congestion and road safety concerns around Kellands Primary School. A community engagement exercise was conducted in November and December 2024, and the key findings were noted. The TTRO will be in place for 18 months, with a review after 12 months to determine whether to make the scheme permanent. Exemptions will apply, and flashing signage will be erected at the end of each street during the closure. The report noted that a similar scheme in Fraserburgh saw walking and cycling levels increase from 56% to 67% and driving levels decrease from 13% to 4%. Air quality also improved. The [Integrated Impact Assessment][Appendix 1 - IIA.pdf] identified eight positive impacts, including improvements to safety, health, and the environment. The committee reviewed the findings of the community engagement, which showed general support for the scheme, with 56% agreeing it would be beneficial for pupil safety. Concerns were raised about the impact on neighbouring streets and alternative parking options. Traffic monitoring data showed that 21 additional vehicles park on Martin Brae and the school nursery car park during peak periods, and 14 park on Upper Manse Road. Alternative parking options within a 5- and 10-minute walking radius will be identified and promoted. The committee agreed that the scheme was the best solution to tackle road safety and parking issues, citing the success of the Fraserburgh South Park scheme.

• Planning Applications The committee considered several planning applications:

  • Land at Corseduick Road, Newmachar [APP20250595 - Land at Corseduick Road Newmachar.pdf]: A full planning permission for the erection of 140 dwellinghouses, landscaping, open space and associated infrastructure was discussed. The application was a revised layout following the earlier refusal of APP/2024/1265. The key differences between the layouts were summarised as:
    • Moving the main vehicle entrance on Corseduick Road further east (circa. 35m).
    • Re-arrangement of number of houses and site layout/extent of SUDS within the southeastern corner of the site.
    • No built encroachment into the P5 Protected land section of the site.
    • Amended car parking courtyard areas. The committee delegated authority to grant full planning permission to the Head of Planning and Economy, subject to the completion of a Section 75 agreement[^2] to secure affordable housing requirements and developer obligations. [^2]: In Scotland, a Section 75 agreement (named after the relevant section of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997) is a legally binding agreement between a planning authority and a developer. It places restrictions or obligations on the use of land, ensuring that developments contribute to local infrastructure and community needs. The committee agreed to a reason for departing from the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan, as a Water Impact Assessment had not been submitted, but sufficient technical information had been provided to justify the lack of submission and Scottish Water did not object to the application. [Newmachar Community Council][APP20250595 - Community Council Comments.pdf] had no comments to make on the application. Several representations were received, raising concerns about open space provision, wildlife populations, NHS services, traffic, and local services. [David MacLeod][APP20250595 - Reps.pdf] of 22 Rowan Avenue, Newmachar, objected to the application, citing concerns about strain on local health services, traffic congestion, environmental concerns, and the cumulative impact of ongoing local developments. [Mrs Elizabeth Robinson][APP20250595 - Reps.pdf] of 2 Rowan Avenue, Newmachar, objected to the proposal, citing concerns about overlooking, noise, overloaded local services, and loss of amenity. [Mr Matthew Stewart][APP20250595 - Reps.pdf] of 12 Rowan Avenue, Aberdeenshire, objected to the proposal, citing concerns about traffic, disruption to existing residents, pressure on local services, and loss of village character. [Ms Holly Ashton][APP20250595 - Reps.pdf] of 29 Rugosa Circle, Newmachar, objected to the proposal, citing concerns about non-compliance with open space requirements, encroachment on protected land, and the impact on NHS services and local schools. [Mrs Pamela Rennie][APP20250595 - Reps.pdf] of 12 Cheyne Walk, Aberdeen, supported the application, noting that affordable homes are welcome and there is a demand for 3-4 bedroom homes.
  • Atlantic Water Co Ltd, Rosehall Farm, Newmachar [APP20241568 - Atlantic Water Co Ltd Rosehall Farm Newmachar.pdf]: A full planning permission for alterations, extension, and change of use of an industrial building to a farm shop and cafe was discussed. Despite an objection from Environment and Infrastructure Services (Roads Development), the committee voted to grant full planning permission. [Mrs Laura Paton][APP20241568 - Rep.pdf] of Mill of Rosehall, Newmachar, supported the application, noting that it would be a positive addition to the local community and create a pleasant environment. However, she raised concerns about the increased use of the access road and the junction with the A947.
  • The Wooden Shop, Pitcaple, Inverurie [APP20250711 - The Wooden Shop Pitcaple Inverurie.pdf]: A full planning permission for the erection of a building for retail/delicatessen and hot food takeaway was discussed. Despite an objection from Bennachie Community Council, the committee voted to grant full planning permission. [Bennachie Community Council][APP20250711 - Community Council Comments.pdf] objected to the planning application, citing concerns about the dangerous position on a restricted site, lack of parking, and safety concerns for pedestrians. [Mrs Heather Duncan][APP20250711 - Reps.pdf] of Forest View Pitcaple, Inverurie, objected to the proposal, citing concerns about health and safety, reduction in public transport use, and lack of space. [Mr David Barclay][APP20250711 - Reps.pdf] of Station cottage pitcaple, Inverurie, objected to the proposal, citing concerns about the site boundaries, lack of parking, and proximity to the railway line. [Miss Claire Reid][APP20250711 - Reps.pdf] of Pitcaple VW Audi Centre Inverurie, objected to the proposal, citing concerns about additional traffic and lack of parking space.

• Education Scotland Inspection Reports The committee considered Education Scotland inspection reports for [Alehousewells Primary School and Nursery Class][Education Scotland Inspection Report - Alehousewells Primary School and Nursery Class.pdf] and [Port Elphinstone Primary School][Education Scotland Inspection Report - Port Elphinstone Primary School.pdf]. The report for Alehousewells Primary School and Nursery Class noted the effective leadership of the acting headteacher and the warm relationships across the school and nursery. Areas for improvement included attainment in literacy and numeracy and approaches to planning and assessment. The report for Port Elphinstone Primary School noted the effective leadership of the headteacher and the inclusive and nurturing learning environment. Areas for improvement included ensuring a consistent approach to high-quality learning and teaching, planning and monitoring the impact of interventions, and raising attainment in literacy and numeracy.

• Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report 2024-25 The committee considered the [Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report 2024-25][Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report 2024-25.pdf], which detailed the committee's scrutiny activity over the past year and outlined areas for inclusion in the scrutiny programme for the coming year. The committee agreed to the proposed programme of scrutiny activity for 2025/2026, as detailed in [Appendix 1][Appendix 1- Programme of Scrutiny for 202526.pdf] to the report, and noted the additional information provided regarding feedback from seminars, as detailed in [Appendix 2][Appendix 2 - Feedback from informal sessions.pdf] to the report. Key areas of scrutiny activity included the Committee Review Process, member-promoted issues, petitions, formal scrutiny, and informal scrutiny. The report highlighted the value of informal meetings, such as seminars and briefing sessions, and individual ward meetings. The committee discussed the value and benefit of the informal sessions and agreed that they were a good use of time and allowed for frank and sensitive topics to be discussed. The committee noted that the Garioch Community Planning Group held a joint meeting on 15 April, which focused on a place-based approach in Garioch. The committee also noted the detailed history and timeline for all items on the Statement of Outstanding Business, which allowed for effective monitoring and accountability. The proposed programme of activity for 2025/26 included arrangements for informal sessions, routine performance reporting activity, and policy reviews.