The Garioch Area Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, with a key focus on planning applications and performance reports. The committee will consider proposals for a caravan park extension in Kintore and a significant residential development in Newmachar, alongside reviewing the year-end performance of Business Services and the Landscape Services works programme.

Hillhead Caravan Park Extension, Kintore

A significant item on the agenda is the consideration of a full planning application for an extension to Hillhead Caravan Park in Kintore¹. The proposal includes the erection of 13 holiday lodges, an amenity building encompassing a cafe, restaurant, laundry, and sanitary facilities, and the formation of 12 mobile caravan pitching sites. This application follows a previous refusal and dismissed appeal², with the revised plans aiming to address concerns regarding residential amenity, traffic, and the overall scale of the development. The report details extensive consultation responses, including objections from neighbours and the Kintore and District Community Council³, who raise concerns about traffic safety, the impact on residential amenity, and the lack of demand for holiday lodges. Supporters highlight the potential for tourism enhancement and community amenities⁴. The report also addresses technical aspects such as drainage, landscaping, and sustainable transport, noting the site's limited public transport links⁵.

Residential Development in Newmachar

The committee will also consider a hybrid planning application for land to the west of Hillbrae Way, Newmachar. This application seeks full planning permission for Phase 1, comprising 158 dwellinghouses and associated infrastructure, and planning permission in principle for Phases 2 and 3 for further residential development and infrastructure. The site is allocated in the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023⁶ for housing (OP1) and a primary school (R2). A key aspect of the discussion will be the proposed use of the R2 land, originally reserved for a primary school, for residential development. The report notes that previous decisions have indicated sufficient school capacity, making this a departure from the development plan⁷. Numerous objections have been received from residents and the Newmachar Community Council⁸, citing concerns about infrastructure strain, including schools, healthcare, roads, and local amenities, as well as environmental impacts and loss of privacy. The applicant, Cala Management Ltd, has submitted extensive supporting documentation, including assessments on biodiversity, flood risk, and transport⁹.

Business Services Performance Report

The committee will receive an update on the year-end progress of Business Services performance indicators for the period April 2025 to March 2026¹⁰. The report indicates that seven out of fifteen measures are meeting or exceeding targets, with one measure showing as amber (off target) and seven reported as 'data only'. Key successes include consistently low average call wait times and call abandonment rates for Customer Services, and efficient processing times for Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit claims. An area for improvement identified is the percentage of operational buildings suitable for their current use, with the Garioch area showing 80% suitability, below the Aberdeenshire average.

Landscape Services Works Programme

A report detailing the proposed Landscape Services Works Programme for 2026/27 within the Garioch area will be presented¹¹. This programme outlines planned works and activities funded by the Council's revenue budget, prioritised based on inspections, member requests, and community feedback. The report highlights the importance of parks and open spaces for residents' wellbeing and the service's commitment to environmental sustainability, including efforts to support pollinators and community food growing initiatives. The proposed works cover maintenance of burial grounds, parks, open spaces, play areas, and arboricultural activities, with specific budget allocations for each town and village within the Garioch area.