The Banff and Buchan Area Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 05 May 2026, with a meeting pack that includes discussions on planning applications, roads and infrastructure programmes, and the Pennan Conservation Area. The committee will also review the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026 and consider applications for the Coastal Communities Fund.

Planning Application for 70 Church Street, Portsoy

The committee is scheduled to consider a planning application for full planning permission for alterations and an extension to a dwellinghouse at 70 Church Street, Portsoy, AB45 2QR. The report by the Director of Environment & Infrastructure Services indicates that officers recommend refusal for this application. The proposal is located within the Portsoy Conservation Area and the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023 designates the area as Remote Rural. The application is recommended for refusal due to concerns about the overbearing nature of the proposal and its overshadowing impact on the neighbouring property at 72 Church Street. Despite the neighbour not objecting, the planning service is tasked with protecting amenity. The report notes that the proposed extension would be sited just 1.6m from the south elevation of the neighbouring property, potentially impacting the amenity of its occupants. The application is considered a departure from the valid Development Plan, specifically from National Planning Framework 4 policies 14 (Design, Quality, and Place) and 16 (Quality Homes), and Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023 policies P1 (Layout, siting and design) and P3 (Infill Developments within Settlements and Householder Developments).

Roads and Infrastructure Programmes

The committee is set to review the proposed programmes of work for roads and infrastructure for 2026-27, alongside an update on works planned for 2025-26. This report, prepared by the Director of Environment and Infrastructure Services, outlines the identified works and activities prioritised by the Roads and Infrastructure Service for delivery. The report details the allocated budgets for both revenue and capital, including £17,086,000 for Roads Maintenance and £3,000,000 for Bridges & Structures. A comparison with the previous year's funding shows an increase in Road Maintenance but a decrease in Bridges funding. The report also highlights efficiency savings, such as the cessation of road markings in residential streets unless intersecting with higher priority roads, and the proposed switch-off of private road and footway lighting. An interactive map of the proposed road maintenance programme for 2026-27 is also available.

Pennan Conservation Area

Consideration will be given to the Pennan Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan documents. The report from the Director of Environment & Infrastructure Service outlines the process for appraising conservation areas, including designation and de-designation. Members are expected to discuss new buildings in Pennan, the use of traditional materials, and the disposal of assets within the conservation area. Clarification is also to be provided on planning enforcement powers to conserve the area's character. The Head of Planning and Economy will report back to the Area Committee on the legal status of Bank Head, and a wider action plan for Pennan is to be developed to enhance and safeguard its special architectural interest.

Draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026

The committee will be asked to provide comments on the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026. The report by the Director of Environment & Infrastructure Services details the anticipated timetable for producing the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2029. The focus over the past year has been on a call for ideas engagement exercise, involving public events, community council meetings, and participation forums. Stakeholder comments on the initial assessment and analysis by the Policy Team will be sought before discussions with elected members on preferred options for the proposed Local Development Plan.

Coastal Communities Fund 2026/27

Applications for the Coastal Community Funding 2026-2027 will be considered. The report from the Director of Children's Services outlines 23 applications received, with a combined value of £331,260.53, resulting in an oversubscription of £231,260.53. Officers have reviewed all applications for eligibility. Due to the significant oversubscription, the committee is expected to discuss full, partial, and pro rata arrangements for some projects. Concerns have been raised regarding two specific projects that members are keen to see fully funded to avoid jeopardising them.

Public Sector Equality Duty

The committee will consider its legal duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. This requires members to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation; advance equality of opportunity between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not; and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. Where an Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) is provided, members are to consider its contents and take them into account when making decisions. The protected characteristics under the legislation are: age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and marriage and civil partnership.

Draft Minute of Meeting of 14 April 2026

The committee will review and approve the draft minute of its previous meeting held on 14 April 2026.

Statement of Outstanding Business

A report by the Banff and Buchan Area Manager will detail the items of outstanding business as at 14 April 2026. The committee will be asked to agree to dismiss Item 4 of outstanding business, as the Pennan Conservation Area report is to be presented at this meeting.

Exempt Information

The committee will agree to exclude the public from the meeting during the consideration of specific items to avoid the disclosure of exempt information, as detailed in the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and Schedule 7A of that Act. These items relate to the procurement plans for Housing and Building Standards, contract awards for catering operators at Macduff Aquarium, and supplementary annual procurement plans for Education and Children's Services.