The Marr Area Committee of Aberdeenshire Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The agenda includes discussions on planning applications, housing strategy, and local infrastructure.

Masterplan for Inchmarlo Site OP2

The committee is expected to consider the masterplan for the Inchmarlo Site OP2. This site is allocated for 120 homes and is intended to expand the Inchmarlo Continuing Care Community (ICCC). The masterplan outlines the general layout and approach for future planning applications, aiming to promote good place-making and ensure developments meet social, environmental, and economic requirements. The plan addresses key considerations such as housing design, connectivity, landscaping, tree retention, and flood risk, with input from various services including Roads Development, Housing, Flood Risk, Natural Environment, and Built Heritage.

Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2027-2032

The committee is expected to consider the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2027-2032. This plan details Aberdeenshire Council's priorities for affordable housing investment over a five-year period, aiming to deliver new homes across various tenures. The plan highlights the need for specific types of housing and addresses challenges within the housing market and construction sector. The report includes detailed project plans for various areas within Aberdeenshire, with specific allocations for the Marr area.

Festive Lights Policy Review 2026

A review of the Festive Lights and Bunting Policy is scheduled for discussion. Proposed changes aim to introduce a more structured and permissive framework for community-led festive light installations, including removing location restrictions and allowing communities to apply for installations in any street, provided safety and infrastructure suitability are met. The revised approach also proposes a Full Cost Recovery model for infrastructure upgrades and electricity costs above an agreed allocation.

Aboyne Bridge – Engagement Plan and Progress Update

An update on the Aboyne Bridge project is expected, outlining the progress in developing options for a permanent crossing solution. Technical, environmental, and flood assessment work is ongoing for two potential options: a new modular bridge downstream (Option A) and repairs to the existing bridge (Option B). The report details a proposed community engagement programme for Autumn/Winter 2026, developed in conjunction with the Aboyne Bridge Action Committee (ABAC), to gather community views and identify potential impacts of each option.

Education Scotland Inspection Report – Aboyne Academy

The committee is asked to consider and provide comments to the Education and Children's Service on the Education Scotland inspection report for Aboyne Academy. The report highlights strengths in building a strong learning community and identifies areas for improvement.

Application under Section 42 for Tourism, Leisure, Hotel and Lodges and 95 Residential Units and Associated Infrastructure (Amendments to detail approved under APP/2011/2402) without Compliance with Condition 1 (Phasing) of Planning Permission APP/2021/0247 at Land at Inchmarlo, Banchory

An application to vary a condition on an existing planning permission for a tourism and leisure development at Inchmarlo is to be considered. The proposal seeks to amend the phasing to allow the final 15 residential units at East Mains to be built before the hotel. This change is requested to release further funding for the hotel development.

Other items scheduled for discussion include:

• ENQ/2024/1423 – Masterplan for Inchmarlo Site OP2: This item relates to the masterplan for the expansion of the Inchmarlo Continuing Care Community.
• APP/2026/0400 – Drumnagarrow, Glenbuchat, Strathdon: An application for full planning permission for demolition of a dwellinghouse and erection of a replacement dwellinghouse, workshop/storage building, two holiday let dwellings, installation of air source heat pumps and solar panels, and erection of a wind turbine.
• APP/2026/0848 – 1 Flory Gardens, Huntly: An application for full planning permission for the erection of an outbuilding.
• APP/2026/0858 – Feoladair House, 28 - 30 Deveron Street, Huntly: An application for full planning permission for the installation of a replacement door.
• ACT2 (Aberdeenshire Charities Trust) Applications: Applications for funding from the Aberdeenshire Charities Trust are to be considered.

The meeting will also address the Public Sector Equality Duty and consider the exclusion of the press and public for certain items of business where exempt information is likely to be disclosed.