The Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee met on Tuesday 28 April 2026, where councillors discussed a planning application for an indoor play area at Grains of Fetteresso, Fetteresso, Stonehaven, which was ultimately refused. The committee also allocated funding from the Coastal Communities Fund 2025-26 to several projects, including improvements to Stonehaven Promenade and the Muchalls to Newtonhill coastal path.

Planning Application Refused for Indoor Play Area at Grains of Fetteresso

The committee considered a planning application for a part change of use of an agricultural building to an indoor play area, with the installation of a reception cabin and the formation of a car park at Grains of Fetteresso, Fetteresso, Stonehaven. The application was recommended for refusal by planning officers due to concerns regarding the site's isolated rural location, lack of sustainable transport options, inadequate visibility at the access point, and potential land contamination from previous uses such as sheep washing and a mill dam.

During the discussion, councillors expressed a degree of conflict, acknowledging the applicant's ambition for farm diversification and the potential economic benefits. However, the unresolved technical issues, particularly concerning contaminated land and road safety, were significant barriers. Councillor Dawn Black noted that the visibility splays for the access point overlapped with neighbouring land not under the applicant's control. Councillor Shirley Burnett highlighted that while the principle of development was supported, the contaminated land issue was a primary concern, especially given the proposed use of the site for leisure. Councillor Alan Turner echoed these sentiments, stating that public health and safety were paramount and that the technical issues could not be easily overcome. Ultimately, the committee voted to refuse the application for the reasons outlined in the report, including non-compliance with National Planning Framework 4 and the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023 policies on design, quality, place, health and safety, tourism, hazardous developments, and providing suitable services.

Coastal Communities Fund Allocations Approved

The committee approved the allocation of £118,961.03 from the Coastal Communities Fund 2025-26 to several projects aimed at enhancing coastal areas within Kincardine and Mearns.

The following allocations were agreed:

• Stonehaven Promenade: £49,999 was allocated towards the permanent pedestrianisation of the promenade, subject to securing match funding from the Active Travel and Restructure Funding Tier 2. If this funding is not secured, the allocated sum will be available for other community projects.
• Stonehaven Sea Cadets: £13,716 was approved for the purchase of additional boats and oars to support the growing number of cadets and supervisors, enabling full participation in training and events.
• Muchalls to Newtonhill Coastal Path: £33,609.60 was allocated for the upgrade of the coastal path, which will involve regrading, drainage, and widening to 1.8 metres. This improvement aims to enhance accessibility for walkers, cyclists, and buggies, and will form part of the North East of Scotland Coastal Trail.
• Motorhome Leaflet: £600 was granted for the printing of leaflets aimed at motorhome users. This initiative seeks to address issues such as littering, chemical waste disposal, and inappropriate parking, promoting responsible behaviour in coastal locations.

The remaining unallocated funds of £21,036.43 will remain available for future community projects meeting the criteria. Authority was also delegated to the Kincardine and Mearns Area Manager, in consultation with the Area Chair and Vice-Chair, to approve variations in project costs and award remaining unallocated funds up to £10,000.

During the discussion on the motorhome leaflet, Councillor Shirley Burnett inquired about the possibility of permanent signage in addition to leaflets. Diane Henderson, the Area Project Officer, explained that many locations are on private land or public roads where parking is legally permitted, making signage less effective than promoting responsible behaviour through information. Councillor George Carr asked if coastal defence work would be eligible for this fund, and it was noted that this could be explored further. Councillor Alison Evison sought clarification on the term normal wheelchairs in relation to the coastal path, and it was confirmed that the gradient might still pose challenges for some manually propelled wheelchairs.