The Garioch Area Committee of Aberdeenshire Council met on Tuesday 23 June 2026, discussing performance indicators, planning applications, and the landscape services work programme. Key decisions included granting planning permission for an extension to Hillhead Caravan Park in Kintore and granting planning permission in principle for a large residential development at Hillbrae Way in Newmachar.

Business Services Area Committee Performance Indicators

The committee received a report on Business Services' performance indicators for the Garioch area for the year-end April 2025 to March 2026. Mary Beatty, presenting the report, highlighted that most indicators were on track, with customer services showing strong performance in call handling and reduced waiting times. Benefits and welfare services experienced increased demand, reflected in higher discretionary housing payments and crisis grant applications, attributed to cost of living pressures rather than service failure. Building suitability remained an area for improvement, with a focus on rationalisation and future investment. Councillors noted the pressure on demand-led services and requested further detail on how team performance is assessed, particularly for data-only indicators. The committee agreed to take this feedback forward.

Hillhead Caravan Park, Kintore: Planning Permission for Extension

The committee considered a full planning application for an extension to Hillhead Caravan Park in Kintore, including 13 holiday lodges, an amenity building, and 12 mobile caravan pitching sites. This application followed a previous refusal and dismissed appeal. Helen Atkinson, the planning officer, outlined the revised plans, which included a reduced number of lodges and pitches, a central spine road, and a significant landscape buffer to mitigate impacts on the neighbouring property, Hillhead Croft.

Concerns were raised by councillors and objectors regarding traffic management, the enforceability of a one-way system, the effectiveness of the landscaping buffer, and the potential for confusion with access arrangements for Hillhead Croft. The applicant, Helen Sutherland, emphasised the need for the expansion to keep the business viable and highlighted her efforts to improve the site and address neighbour concerns. Objector Callan Fraser raised historical issues with landscaping maintenance, access rights, and the property's mortgageability due to the application's proximity.

After extensive discussion and questions to both the planning officer and the applicant, Councillor Dominic Lonchay proposed a site visit to better assess the access arrangements and road width. This was seconded by Councillor Glen Reid, and the committee agreed to defer the decision pending a site visit.

Land to the West of Hillbrae Way, Newmachar: Residential Development

The committee then considered a hybrid planning application for residential development at Hillbrae Way, Newmachar. This sought full planning permission for Phase 1 (158 dwellings) and planning permission in principle for Phases 2 and 3. Helen Atkinson, the planning officer, explained that the site was allocated for housing (OP1) and previously for a primary school (R2). However, due to a previous decision to discharge Section 75 agreement clauses, the land reserved for the school was no longer required, making the principle of housing development across the entire site acceptable as a departure from the Local Development Plan.

Significant concerns were raised by residents and some councillors regarding the strain on local infrastructure, including schools, healthcare services, and roads. NHS Grampian highlighted concerns about workforce provision and capacity at local GP practices. Councillors debated the implications of the R2 land being used for housing and the lack of a new school provision. Cala Management Ltd, the applicant, represented by Robert Grant, assured the committee that their proposals largely mirrored a previous consent and addressed placemaking principles, open space, and road requirements.

Following detailed questions and debate, the committee agreed to delegate the grant of planning permission in principle for Phases 2 and 3 and full planning permission for Phase 1 to the Head of Planning and Economy, subject to the completion of a Section 75 Agreement and a list of conditions. The committee also agreed to the reason for departing from the Development Plan. A separate motion was agreed for officers to write to NHS Grampian regarding concerns about GP capacity.

Landscape Services Works Programme 2026/27

Sandy Scott and Ian Mitchell presented the proposed works programme for Landscape Services and Bereavement Services for the Garioch area for 2026/27. They highlighted the challenging budget environment but emphasised the service's continued engagement with over 145 community groups across Aberdeenshire, including 23 in Garioch. Councillors acknowledged the valuable work undertaken by the service and the community groups, particularly in enhancing biodiversity and green spaces. They discussed ways to encourage more community involvement and sustain existing initiatives. The committee recommended approving the proposals for allocating the revenue budget as detailed in Appendix 1.

The meeting was suspended for a comfort break before moving to the final items.