The Marr Area Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 05 May 2026, with a key focus on planning applications and the review of the council's roads and infrastructure programmes. The committee will also consider the annual scrutiny and improvement report, providing an overview of past activities and future plans.

Planning Application for Land North of Birchwood, Ballater

A significant item on the agenda is the consideration of a planning application for the erection of a dwellinghouse and garage on land to the north of Birchwood, Ballater¹. The application, reference APP/2024/1718, seeks full planning permission for the development. The report pack indicates that this application is recommended for approval, however, there have been valid objections from third parties and a majority of responding Local Ward Members have requested that the application be referred to the Area Committee for further discussion. Concerns raised in representations include the principle of development, design and scale, landscape and amenity impacts, privacy, access routes, water supply adequacy, and drainage. The Cairngorms National Park Authority² has been consulted, and their comments indicate that the application does not raise any planning issues of general significance to the park aims. The report details the relevant planning policies from the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4)³ and the Cairngorms National Park Authority Local Development Plan 2021⁴, as well as other material considerations. The recommendation is for authority to grant permission, subject to conditions and the payment of developer obligations.

Roads and Infrastructure Programmes of Work 2026-27 and Update on 2025-26 Works

The committee will receive an update on the delivery of previously approved works programmes for roads and infrastructure for 2025-26, as detailed in Appendices A, B, C, and D of the reports pack. They will also consider proposals for allocating Revenue funding within their area for Roads and Bridges, as outlined in Appendices E, I, J, and K. Furthermore, the committee is invited to make comments to the Infrastructure Services Committee on proposals for Capital funding within their area for Roads and Bridges, as detailed in Appendices F, G, H, I, J, and K. The report highlights the extensive infrastructure managed by Aberdeenshire Council, including roads, footways, bridges, streetlights, watercourses, coastline, and harbours. It also details the budget allocations for various activities, comparing them to the previous year's funding. The report notes that inflationary factors continue to increase costs, and the road network continues to grow. Efficiency proposals have been accepted as part of the budget setting process, including changes to road markings in residential streets and the switching off of private road and footway lighting. The report acknowledges that the current level of funding for roads maintenance remains below steady state levels, leading to a managed decline of the road network. An interactive map of the proposed road maintenance programme for 2026-27 is also available.

Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report

The committee will consider the Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report, which summarises key scrutiny activities undertaken by the committee over the past year (1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026). It also outlines areas for inclusion in the scrutiny programme for the coming year, 2026/27. The report details the committee's review process, member-promoted issues, petitions considered, and formal scrutiny activities, including performance reports from various services. Examples of areas where the committee has had the opportunity to scrutinise and add value include the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2029 Evidence Report, Roads and Infrastructure Programmes of Work, and Education Scotland Inspection Reports for Crathes and Strathdon Primary Schools. The report also lists informal meetings and partner organisation reporting. The proposed programme of future activity for 2026/27 includes six-monthly formal performance reporting, informal sessions with directorates, reporting from partner organisations, and policy development and reviews. The committee is invited to identify any service areas that may be appropriate for further scrutiny.

Public Sector Equality Duty

In making decisions on the attached reports, members are reminded of their legal duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation; advance equality of opportunity; and foster good relations between those who share protected characteristics and those who do not. Where an Integrated Impact Assessment is provided, members are asked to consider its contents and take them into account when reaching a decision.

Minute of Meeting of Marr Area Committee of 14 April 2026

The committee will consider the minute of its previous meeting held on 14 April 2026 for confirmation as a correct record.

Statement of Outstanding Business

A statement of outstanding business from previous meetings will be presented for the committee's consideration. This includes an update on works to implement a one-way system at Seton Terrace/Meadow Avenue in Huntly, with the installation date still to be confirmed.

Exempt Information

The committee will consider whether to exclude the public and media representatives from certain items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information, as described in the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

ACT2 (Aberdeenshire Charities Trust) Applications

The committee, sitting as Trustees of the Aberdeenshire Charities Trust, will consider applications for ACT2 funding.