The Formartine Area Committee met on Tuesday 3 March 2026 and granted full planning permission for an extension to a dwellinghouse in Potterton. The committee also approved the Environment and Infrastructure Services Procurement Plan for 2026/2027.

Planning Application for Extension to Dwellinghouse in Potterton

The committee granted Full Planning Permission for an extension to the dwellinghouse at South Manse, Panmure Gardens, Potterton, Aberdeenshire, AB23 8UG. The application, reference APP/2025/1534, sought permission for a two-storey extension to the eastern side of the house, providing additional living space including a bedroom with ensuite, a home office, living space, kitchen, and an integral garage.

During the discussion, councillors sought clarification on several points, including the nature of the proposed balconies, which were confirmed to be doors with balustrades rather than stepped-out balconies, with one located above the garage. Concerns were raised about the materials to be used, with confirmation that the granite would match the original and materials from the demolished garage would be repurposed. The design of the windows and the height of the proposed extension, in relation to the differing ridge heights of the original property, were also discussed. Councillors queried the necessity of a large window for the office space, noting that even if removed, windows could be added later under permitted development rights. The legal right to light, the distance of the proposed extension to neighbouring properties, and the use of neighbouring outbuildings were also clarified. Questions were raised about the existing tree line and screening, with a tree survey confirming that necessary works could be carried out without damaging the trees, and that Environmental Planners were satisfied with the proposals. The committee also considered whether the tree to be removed would be replaced and whether opaque glazing could be used for certain windows to mitigate overlooking.

Despite objections from neighbours concerning privacy, overlooking, overbearing impact, loss of daylight and sunlight, and the scale and design being incongruous with the historic setting, the committee ultimately granted permission. The decision was subject to a condition that the windows at the stairwell be fitted with opaque glazing. Standard conditions were also applied, including a time limit for commencement of development and a condition that the residential annex be used solely for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the main dwellinghouse and not as a separate or independent residential unit. A condition was also imposed requiring the implementation of tree protection measures as specified in the submitted reports prior to the commencement of development.

The decision was made on the grounds that the proposed development complied with Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023 (ALDP2023) policies, including P3 (Infill Developments within Settlements and Householders Developments), P1 (Layout, Siting and Design), E1 (Natural Heritage), RD1 (Providing Suitable Services), and PR1 (Protecting Important Resources), as well as National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) policies, including 4 (Natural Places), 6 (Forestry, woodland and trees), 14 (Design, quality and place), and 16 (Quality homes). The committee concluded that the development was appropriately sited, designed, and scaled, and would not have a significant adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties or the character of the surrounding area.

Environment and Infrastructure Services Procurement Plan 2026/2027

The committee also considered and approved the Directorate Procurement Plan for Environment and Infrastructure Services for 2026/2027. This plan details procurements with a contract value of £50,000 or more that are planned for the upcoming year, subject to budget approval.

Following discussion, the committee noted the Directorate Procurement Plan and approved the items within the plan that were within budget and fell within the remit of the committee. They also approved the inclusion of procurements marked as in principle, with the caveat that no contract award could be made until funding and budget approval were confirmed. The committee decided not to reserve approval for procurement forms for items with contract values between £50,000 and £1,000,000.

Furthermore, the committee requested that the Service liaise with the Area Team to ensure opportunities for councillors to engage in project prioritisation and to have a monitoring and scrutiny role. They also requested that local councillors be kept updated on works being carried out in their areas. Two specific requests were made: an update on active travel connectivity between the Balmedie/Blackdog area and Aberdeen City, and further details on the herbicide used to treat paths in the area.

Other Business

The committee also approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on 10 February 2026. It was noted that Ruth McKell had been nominated for the School Placings and Exclusions Appeals Committee. The committee also agreed to have due regard to the Public Sector Equality Duty in making decisions, as required by Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. They also agreed to exclude the public and media from the meeting for Item 5, concerning the Environment and Infrastructure Services Procurement Plan, due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.