The Formartine Area Committee met on Tuesday 28 April 2026, discussing a range of planning applications and asset transfer requests. Key decisions included granting planning permission for an extension to the car parking area at Trump International Golf Course, Balmedie, and approving the asset transfer of the Ythan Centre in Ellon to the Catalyst Community Regeneration Company. The committee also noted the progress on the Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme and the Formartine Coastal Communities Funds.

Trump International Golf Course Car Park Extension

The committee granted Full Planning Permission for an extension to the existing car parking area and the creation of a footpath at Trump International Golf Course in Balmedie. The application, which included a part-retrospective element, sought to add 179 parking spaces and a new footpath connecting to Coastguard Cottages.

Concerns were raised by local residents regarding light pollution, increased traffic noise, and the potential fire risk associated with the proposed cart storage facility, which was later removed from this specific application. Objectors also highlighted issues with hygiene, drainage, and the impact on local amenity and visual landscape.

However, the Planning Service concluded that the proposed development was ancillary to the principal use of the golf course and had been designed to minimise impact on the character, amenity, and ecology of the surrounding area. Conditions were attached to the permission, including requirements for a Biodiversity Enhancement Plan, a surface water drainage system, and adherence to Species Protection Plans for badgers, bats, and birds.

Asset Transfer of the Ythan Centre, Ellon

The committee approved the full asset transfer of the Ythan Centre on Station Road in Ellon to the Catalyst Community Regeneration Company (CCRC) for £1. CCRC plans to utilise the building as a community hub, offering a range of activities throughout the week, and as a permanent home for the Catalyst Vineyard Church congregation.

The decision was made following consideration of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, which requires local authorities to assess such requests against specific criteria. CCRC, a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, presented a business plan outlining its vision for the centre, including affordable venue space for local groups, social transformation ministries, and increased footfall to the town.

The market value of the Ythan Centre was assessed at £130,000, but officers recommended the transfer for £1 due to the significant positive community benefits identified. These benefits include supporting local groups, providing debt management courses, increasing footfall, offering outreach activities, and investing in environmental improvements such as air source heating and solar panels. A clawback clause was agreed to be included in the transfer agreement to protect public value.

The decision was supported by 37 out of 40 public representations received, with only three objections. The Integrated Impact Assessment indicated positive impacts across various protected characteristics and for the town centre's first policy.

Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026

The committee noted the draft Aberdeenshire Development Plan Scheme 2026, which outlines the timetable for producing the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2029 and details how the public can get involved. The committee provided a comment to the Infrastructure Services Committee, suggesting that engagement with the National Farmers Union of Scotland (NFUS) and Scottish Landowners would be beneficial.

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. The funding allocation for 2026/27 was noted as £118,961.03. The committee agreed 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. They also requested that the application form be updated to seek evidence from applicants on how their projects would contribute to the Place strategy.

Statement of Outstanding Business

The committee noted a report updating on matters previously discussed but not yet resolved. One item related to the procurement plan for Environment and Infrastructure Services, where councillors requested greater engagement in project prioritisation and a monitoring role. Progress was noted on active travel connectivity between Balmedie/Blackdog and Aberdeen City, with preliminary design work commencing. Details on herbicides used to treat paths were also provided.

Education Scotland Inspection Report - Meldrum Primary School

While not a decision made at this meeting, the committee's previous comments on the Education Scotland Inspection Report for Meldrum Primary School were referenced in the minutes of the previous meeting. The report highlighted the school's positive ethos and areas for improvement.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service - Formartine Area Committee Performance Report

The committee noted the performance report of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Formartine. Councillors raised concerns about a disused barn in Oldmeldrum subject to fires, queried the risks from lithium batteries, and noted the heightened risk of wildfires. The Station Commander undertook to raise the issue of home alarm system lifespans within his service. The committee requested that the issue of the private barn in Oldmeldrum be discussed further at a Ward 8 Meeting.

Slains School Update

The committee noted the update on the options appraisal for the future of Slains School and the intention to commence statutory consultation on its permanent closure. Councillors acknowledged the sadness within the community following the school's closure due to roof collapse and welcomed news that children had settled well into new schools. The retrieval of the school clock by the local Community Council was also noted. The committee commented to the Education and Children's Services Committee, acknowledging that permanent closure was the strongest option.

Supplementary Annual Procurement Plan for Education and Children's Services Directorate

This item was considered in private session due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.

Declaration of Members' Interests

Councillor Derek Ritchie and Councillor Gillian Owen made transparency statements regarding their attendance at events related to item four, APP/2025/1886, at Trump International Golf Course. Councillor Jenny Nicol made a transparency statement regarding item seven, which was to be held in private.

Public Sector Equality Duty and Exempt Information

The committee agreed to adopt the resolution on the Public Sector Equality Duty, requiring members to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations. They also agreed to exclude the public and media from item seven of the business due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.

Minute of Meeting of 24 March 2026

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 24 March 2026 were approved as a correct record. A point was raised by Councillor Claire Young regarding the loss of 22 hectares of prime agricultural land as highlighted in item seven of the previous agenda.