The meeting focused on the 2024-25 Roads and Infrastructure Works Update and Proposals. Key topics included budget allocations, road maintenance priorities, bridge projects, and coastal erosion issues.

Budget Allocations and Road Maintenance

Donald McPherson presented the report, highlighting the available funding for road maintenance and infrastructure. The budget for road maintenance has been focused more on carriageway and footway patching due to increased demand for repairs. The budget challenges and construction industry inflation have reduced the amount of work that can be delivered. The report seeks approval for revenue-funded work in Kincardine and Mearns and comments on capital-funded works.

Bridge Projects

Several bridge projects were discussed, including Abington Bridge, Banff Bridge, and Aboyne Bridge. Abington Bridge's design is complete, but funding has not been allocated for 2024-25. It remains a priority for future funding. Additional work on the second arch of Pockerton Mains Bridge was also discussed, with ongoing scour monitoring.

Coastal Erosion

Coastal erosion issues were raised, particularly the Rock Harbour project for Johnshaven and a wider project for the Bervie coastline. The council has struggled to replace a coastal engineer, impacting the ability to address coastal issues effectively. The hope is to start working on coastal change adaptation plans if budget becomes available.

Street Lighting

Questions were raised about street lighting in Edzell Woods, which is not adopted by the council. The issue will be investigated further, with a focus on energy reduction measures.

Road Defects and Budget Allocation

Concerns were raised about the likely increase in road defects and the need for more reactive work due to budget constraints. The allocation of budget across different areas of Aberdeenshire is based on road length and classification. Future budget allocation may focus more on prioritized lists rather than area-specific allocations.

Specific Road and Bridge Concerns

Councillors raised specific concerns about various roads and bridges, including Inverbervie, Burnside Bridge, and Park Bridge. The need for clarity on the term postponed in relation to bridge projects was highlighted. The importance of safe routes to school and the impact on children's well-being were also discussed.

Flood Protection Studies

Flood protection studies for Contlaw, Kintore, and other areas were discussed. The prioritization of these studies is based on available budget and the use of hydraulic models. The cost of flood studies and the need for camera surveys and outfall improvements were also addressed.

Landscape Services

The landscape services works program for 2024-25 was presented, covering burial grounds, parks, open spaces, and country parks. The importance of engaging with community groups and the allocation of funds for specific projects were emphasized. The need for clarity on funding sources for play park improvements was also discussed.

Area Committee Budget

The committee approved various funding applications, including grants for Memorial Park Laurencekirk, Friends of Forest Park Drumoak, Laurencekirk Bowling Club, and others. The allocation of funds to assist community groups with local place plans and community action plans was also agreed upon. The meeting covered several topics, including member attendance, declarations of interest, equality resolutions, and two significant planning applications. The primary focus was on the planning applications for window replacements in conservation areas.

Planning Application for Window Replacement at Loughingare 62 Duckling Road, Strathivin

The committee discussed a planning application (2024-01-97) for replacing timber windows with PVC windows at Loughingare 62 Duckling Road, Strathivin. The planning service recommended refusal due to the use of PVC in a historic setting, which is not compliant with national policy. The arguments against the application included:

• PVC windows are not cheaper or more energy-efficient than timber windows.
• The existing timber windows are in good condition and do not require replacement.
• Using PVC would negatively impact the conservation area's character.

Councillor Acton supported the refusal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the building's historical integrity. Councillor Black also agreed, noting that the proposed PVC windows would alter the building's appearance and were not justified. The committee ultimately decided to refuse the application.

Planning Application for Window Replacement at 3 Market Lane

The second planning application discussed was for the formation of a new window and the replacement of existing windows with PVC at 3 Market Lane. The planning service recommended refusal, citing similar reasons as the previous application. The applicant, Ms. Smith, argued that the timber windows were swollen, moldy, and difficult to maintain due to their location near the seafront. She proposed using look-alike PVC windows to address these issues.

Councillor Turner and Councillor Sullivan raised concerns about the practicality and cost of maintaining timber windows in such a location. However, the planning officer emphasized that proper maintenance could address these issues and that PVC was not an appropriate material for a listed building in a conservation area.

Councillor Black moved to follow the officer's recommendation to refuse the application, citing the building's listed status and the need to maintain its historical integrity. Councillor Turner proposed an amendment to approve the application with conditions for using wood-effect sash windows, arguing that the impact on the conservation area would be minimal and that energy efficiency and affordability were significant concerns.

After a vote, the committee decided to approve the application with conditions for using wood-effect sash windows, considering the unique circumstances of the location and the need for energy efficiency.

Other Topics

• Equality Resolution: The committee agreed to adhere to the council's legal duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, which includes eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations.
• Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes: The committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on April 13, 2024.

The meeting concluded with a decision to take a break before moving on to the next agenda item.