The Formartine Area Committee met on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, to discuss several key issues, including the proposed onshore transmission infrastructure for the Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm, the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026, and the allocation of funds from the Formartine Coastal Communities Funds. The committee also received an update on Slains School and a performance report from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Onshore Transmission Infrastructure for Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm

The committee considered a Planning Permission in Principle application for onshore transmission infrastructure for the Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm, which includes the laying of underground cables and associated works to connect to the transmission grid at Land Between Maryhill and Greens, New Deer, Turriff. The application, reference APP/2025/1930, was designated as a National Development under the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) due to its significance in supporting renewable energy generation and the national grid.

The proposal involves up to four 400 kilovolt (kV) underground cable circuits, running approximately 3km between the Caledonia offshore wind farm substation at Burnside and the proposed Greens substation. The application was for Planning Permission in Principle, meaning detailed plans for the exact cable route and associated works would be submitted at a later stage through a Matters Specified in Conditions (MSC) application.

Numerous objections were received from local residents and community councils, primarily concerning:

• Cumulative Impacts: Concerns were raised about the combined effect of multiple energy infrastructure projects in the area, leading to an industrialisation of the countryside.
• Road Network: Objections highlighted the inadequacy of local single-track roads to handle the significant increase in construction traffic, leading to safety concerns and potential damage.
• Agricultural Land: The degradation of prime agricultural land and its impact on food security was a significant concern, with doubts expressed about the effectiveness of land reinstatement after construction.
• Private Water Supplies: Concerns were raised about potential contamination of private water supplies, with objections to the proposed buffer zones and the reliance on desktop surveys.
• Health Impacts: Worries were expressed about the potential health implications of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from the high-voltage cables, particularly in close proximity to homes and other energy infrastructure like Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• Lack of Detail and Consultation: Many objectors felt the application lacked sufficient detail, particularly regarding the exact cable route, and that community consultation had been inadequate.
• Economic Impact: Concerns were raised about the lack of direct local economic benefits and community wealth building, with fears that the developments would primarily benefit private companies.

Internal and external consultees provided feedback. Environment and Infrastructure Services raised no objections subject to conditions related to archaeology, built heritage, contaminated land, noise and vibration, traffic management, ecology, and flood risk. SEPA also raised no objection, subject to conditions on private water supply monitoring and watercourse crossings. SSEN Transmission, the owner of the high voltage electricity transmission network, did not object but recommended several conditions to ensure the protection of their existing and consented critical national infrastructure, including the Greens substation.

The Planning Service concluded that the principle of development was supported by NPF4 Policy 11 (Energy) and Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan (ALDP) 2023 Policy C2 (Renewable Energy). They noted that while cumulative impacts were a concern, this application as a standalone development did not give rise to unacceptable cumulative concerns. Mitigation measures for potential impacts, primarily during construction, were proposed and could be secured by condition.

The committee was recommended to note the application and forward their comments to the Infrastructure Services Committee for determination, with a recommendation to grant authority to the Head of Planning and Economy to grant permission subject to a comprehensive list of conditions. These conditions covered detailed design submissions for the cable route, construction management plans, archaeological works, biodiversity enhancement, private water supply monitoring, noise limits, and road protection.

Draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026

The committee considered the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026, which outlines the anticipated timetable for the production of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2029 and details how the public can get involved. The scheme sets out the programme for stakeholder consultation for the 2026-2027 financial year.

Key points from the draft scheme included:

• Timetable: The overall programme for the Local Development Plan 2029 remains largely on track, with a proposed adoption date in 2029. However, some stages have experienced slippage, particularly the Call for Ideas consultation, which was extended to allow for additional community engagement.
• Engagement: The scheme emphasizes a commitment to various levels of engagement, from informing to collaborating, with a focus on online platforms but also offering in-person sessions and alternative response methods to overcome digital exclusion.
• Local Place Plans: The role of Local Place Plans, developed by communities to influence local development, was highlighted, with an invitation for communities to prepare and submit them.
• Analysis of Submissions: The focus for the coming year is on analysing submissions from the Call for Ideas and Call for Sites to inform the drafting of the Proposed Local Development Plan.
• Consultation: The draft scheme is part of a wider consultation, with comments sought from Area Committees, community groups, and stakeholders before a finalised scheme is presented to the Infrastructure Services Committee.

The committee was recommended to consider and provide comments on the draft Development Plan Scheme for reporting to the Infrastructure Services Committee.

Formartine Coastal Communities Funds 2026-2027

The committee received an update on the progress and availability of the Crown Estate Scotland Fund for Aberdeenshire Council in Formartine. For the 2026/27 financial year, Formartine has an allocation of £118,961.03. Due to an over-allocation in the previous financial year, £117,961.03 is available for allocation in 2026/27.

The committee was recommended to:

• Note the funding allocation for 2026/27.
• Agree to continue delegating the approval of Coastal Communities Fund awards for 2026/27 to the Formartine Area Manager, following consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair.
• Note the summary of funding awards made in 2025/26.
• Note the application form and eligibility criteria for future applications.

The report highlighted that the funds are managed according to a framework agreed by the Infrastructure Services Committee, with half of the allocation managed by the four coastal areas of Aberdeenshire. The funds are intended for coastal community benefits, including local projects and initiatives.

Slains School Update

An update was provided on the future of Slains School. Following a significant ceiling collapse in March 2025, structural engineers deemed the building unsafe, necessitating demolition. An options appraisal considered rebuilding, relocating, reopening as a school within a school, or permanently closing Slains School.

The appraisal concluded that permanent closure and rezoning of the catchment area was the most viable option, scoring highest in the SWOT analysis. This was supported by the fact that neighbouring schools have significant spare capacity, and the projected roll for Slains School was in decline.

The school building is currently being demolished, with the site expected to be cleared by the end of March 2026. The committee was asked to note the outcome of the options appraisal and pre-engagement and provide comments to the Education and Children's Services Committee on the intention to commence statutory consultation for the permanent closure of Slains School.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Performance Report

The committee received a performance report for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in the Formartine area for the third quarter of the 2025-2026 financial year (1 October to 31 December 2025). The report provided performance information against key measures and targets, allowing elected members to discuss local operational matters and resource issues.

Key highlights from the report included:

• A decrease in the number of incidents, fires, and non-fire related incidents compared to the previous quarter.
• An increase in false alarm good intent calls, with steam and controlled burning being top contributors.
• An increase in Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS), with most occurring in care establishments and sleeping risks due to faulty apparatus.
• Accidental Dwelling Fires increased by seven incidents compared to the previous quarter, with the colder months reflected in the sources of ignition.
• A decrease in deliberate fires from the previous quarter.
• Non-domestic fires did not occur during the period, which was attributed to proactive work by local crews and fire safety auditing.
• Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) increased, with firefighters continuing to identify high-risk properties.
• Community engagement efforts were ongoing through various initiatives, including school visits and road safety campaigns.

The committee was recommended to acknowledge and discuss the performance report and any local operational matters.

Other Business

The committee also noted the Statement of Outstanding Business, which included requests for updates on active travel connectivity and details of herbicides used for path treatment.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking everyone for their attendance.