The Banff and Buchan Area Committee met on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to discuss the Pennan Conservation Area, the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme, and the Coastal Communities Fund. The committee approved the Pennan Conservation Area appraisal and management plan, noted the draft development plan scheme, and allocated funds from the Coastal Communities Fund to various local projects.

Pennan Conservation Area

The committee discussed the management proposals for the Pennan Conservation Area. Paul McCurry, Head of Planning and Economy, presented the process for appraising and designating conservation areas, clarifying that the committee's role was to approve the appraisal as planning guidance and the associated action plan, not to designate or de-designate the area itself. Councillor Reynolds raised concerns about the council's corporate responsibility in enhancing Pennan, highlighting issues with the Bankhead and car park. Mr. Alistair Mackenzie, a homeowner, expressed that the consultation feedback did not accurately reflect the community's desire to rescind the conservation area status, emphasizing the need to address existential threats to Pennan. Mr. Andrew Noble, a former property owner, stated his belief that the conservation area status should be retained and that residents should abide by planning laws. The committee agreed to add a recommendation for officers to clarify the legal status of the Bankhead and explore measures for its maintenance, and to develop a wider action plan for Pennan to address challenges.

Draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026

Alana Fordyce, Team Leader from the Planning Department, presented the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme for 2026. The scheme outlines the timetable for work towards the adoption of the next local development plan, with no overall change to the programme or proposed adoption date of 2029. The committee noted the extensive community engagement undertaken, including public events, drop-in sessions, and engagement with various groups. The committee agreed to the recommendations, expressing satisfaction with the draft plan.

Coastal Communities Fund

Angela Keith presented an update on the applications received for the Banff and Buchan Coastal Communities Fund, which had received £100,000 from Ocean Winds. A total of 23 applications were received, totalling £331,260.53, significantly exceeding the available budget. The committee discussed each application, making decisions on awards and signposting unsuccessful applicants to alternative funding sources.

Key decisions made regarding the Coastal Communities Fund include:

• Banff Castle Community Association: Supported in its entirety for a feasibility study for the future use of Banff Town Hall.
• Broch Defibrillator Group: Deemed not to fully meet the criteria, with advice to seek alternative funding.
• Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit: Deemed a better fit for FLAG funding.
• Fordyce Community Association: Deemed a better fit for other funding avenues.
• Fraserburgh District Men's Shed: Supported with a deduction for delivery costs.
• Fraserburgh All-Weather Sports Facility: Not awarded funding, with a suggestion for self-funding.
• Fraserburgh Cricket Club: Supported for equipment to enhance club facilities.
• Fraserburgh Rugby Club: Supported for the replacement of floodlights.
• Fraserburgh Southlinks Sports Development Trust: Supported for the refurbishment of the pavilion's kitchen and meeting area.
• Gardenstown Harbour Trustees: A partial contribution of £10,000 was considered for the viewing platform and telescope.
• Gardenstown Village Action Committee: Supported for phase two of seawall repairs and access upgrades.
• Invercairn Community Support Group: Supported for the final phase of landscaping for the Invercairn Heritage Trail, with a deduction for memorial plaques.
• Inversport: Supported for building warrant and drawings for the replacement of a sports facility.
• Maggie's Hussey Preservation Trust: Supported for repairs to the Fisher Cottage.
• New Aberdour, Tyrie and Pennan Community Council: Supported for the full amount to install solar-powered panels for a UV filtration system for public conveniences.
• Portsoy Community Enterprise (Scottish Traditional Boat Festival): Not supported, with advice to seek other funding mechanisms.
• Portsoy Community Enterprise: Not supported, with advice to explore other funding avenues such as Sustrans.
• Resort Bowling Club: Supported with a contribution for the ramps, concrete base, and handrails.
• Rosarte Community Boat Club: Supported, with a suggestion to explore funding from SSEN or similar for electrical hookups.
• Sand End Surf Club: Supported for the purchase of surfboards, with training costs to be borne by the club.
• Sandhaven and Pitullie Harbour Trust: Directed to FLAG funding.
• The Forge Banff CIC: Directed to FLAG funding for roof windows and doors at the Community Arts Hub.
• Training Days Banffshire CIC: Fully supported for gardening equipment.

Due to the oversubscription of applications, a pro-rata reduction was applied to some awards. The New Aberdour Beach Toilets project and the Training Days Banffshire CIC project were fully funded as proposed by Councillor Cassie and supported by other members. The remaining allocated funds were then distributed on a pro-rata basis to other supported projects, resulting in a final overspend of £5.95, which was then split between the two fully funded projects.

Planning Applications

APP/2025/1729 - Erection of Fence at 1 Braeheads, Whitehills

The committee granted full planning permission for the erection of a 1.8-metre high slatted timber fence at 1 Braeheads, Whitehills. Councillor Cox moved the motion to support the application, subject to a condition that the colour of the fence be mutually agreed between the applicant and the planning department. Councillor Reynolds seconded the motion. The decision was made as a departure from policy HE2, acknowledging the potential for a flexible and proportionate approach to conservation areas and the low impact of the proposed fence in a secluded area.

APP/2025/1684 - Alterations and Extension to Dwellinghouse at 70 Church Street, Portsoy

The committee deferred the decision on full planning permission for alterations and extension to a dwellinghouse at 70 Church Street, Portsoy, for a site visit. Councillor Cassie moved for the site visit, citing concerns about overlooking and overbearing aspects, and the limitations of 2D images. Councillor Reynolds seconded the motion. Councillor Sutherland proposed an amendment to proceed with the decision, stating he had sufficient information, but the motion for a site visit was carried.

APP/2025/1683 - Erection of 175 Dwellinghouses and Associated Infrastructure at Curtin Heights, Fraserburgh

The committee granted full planning permission for the erection of 175 dwellinghouses and associated infrastructure at Curtin Heights, Fraserburgh. The decision was delegated to the Head of Planning and Economy, subject to the conclusion of a suitable Section 75 agreement and the listed conditions. The committee welcomed the early delivery of affordable housing and the unlocking of the allocated site for development.