The Formartine Area Committee of Aberdeenshire Council discussed several key issues on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, including the performance of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, multiple planning applications, and updates on roads and infrastructure works. Decisions were made on various planning permissions, and updates were provided on ongoing projects and performance indicators.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Performance Report

The committee reviewed the performance report for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service covering the period from 1 January to 31 March 2024. Members raised questions about the increase in deliberate fires and non-fire emergencies in Mid-Formartine, the reduction in unwanted fire alarm signals, and the accessibility of foodbanks for rural families. The committee noted the performance report and local operational matters.

Planning Applications

Change of Use to Hot Food Takeaway at 34 Bridge Street, Ellon

The committee granted full planning permission for the change of use from a bank to a hot food takeaway at 34 Bridge Street, Ellon. Members were pleased to see the building being brought back into use after being vacant for some time.

Erection of Care Home and Dwellinghouses at Banff Road, Turriff

The committee discussed the planning application for the erection of a care home and 11 dwellinghouses at Banff Road, Turriff. Concerns were raised about tree removal, site access, and the need for an ecological assessment. The committee delegated authority to grant full planning permission to the Head of Planning and Economy, subject to conditions including a Section 75 Agreement and a preliminary ecological assessment.

Erection of Poultry Shed and Associated Buildings at Beattock, West of Ardfour, Turriff

The committee granted full planning permission for the erection of a poultry shed, two muck outbuildings, and feed silos at Beattock, West of Ardfour, Turriff. Members sought clarification on water supply, outside roaming space for hens, solar panels, employment creation, and the welfare of the birds.

Roads and Infrastructure Works Update

The committee reviewed the 2024-25 Roads and Infrastructure Works and provided comments on the proposals. Members welcomed the planned works for the A947 and the Waterside Bridge in Newburgh, and suggested collaboration with Ythan Community Council for lighting upgrades in Ellon.

Landscape Services Works Programme

The committee approved the Landscape Services Works Programme for 2024/25 and provided comments on the challenges faced by the service. Members emphasized the need for more engagement with councillors and communities and welcomed the new method of cutting adjacent to paths to enhance biodiversity.

Environment and Infrastructure Services Performance Report

The committee reviewed the performance report for Quarters 3 and 4 of 2023/24. Members noted progress and instructed the service to provide updates on potentially dangerous buildings and to continue presenting performance reports on a six-monthly basis.

Draft Place Policy and Strategy

The committee discussed the Draft Place Policy and Strategy and provided feedback for inclusion in the final document. Members welcomed the focus on community and suggested aligning the strategy with the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and incorporating a greater emphasis on the Place and Wellbeing Economy.

Community Council Grants

The committee approved the proposed allocations for Community Council Grants for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. Members also discussed future Community Council Networking Events and welcomed updates on the forthcoming Single Election Date.

Procurement Plan for Education and Children's Services

The committee approved the procurement plan for the Education and Children's Services Directorate, which included accessibility improvements at Monquhitter School. The committee agreed not to reserve approval of the Procurement Approval Form for items valued between £50,000 and £1,000,000.