The Buchan Area Committee convened to discuss a range of local issues, including a large proposed substation near Cuminestown, updates on projects in Peterhead, and the area's budget. Councillors were also scheduled to consider a request for an asset transfer of public toilets in New Pitsligo.

Here's a summary of the key topics:

• APP/2024/1927 - Land at Mains of Greens, Cuminestown

  The committee was scheduled to discuss a planning application for a 400kV AC substation and associated infrastructure. The application, submitted by Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc, sought full planning permission for the development on land at Mains of Greens, Cuminestown.

  The proposed substation would include two 400/132 kV Super Grid Transformers, outdoor Air Insulated Switchgear, and associated buildings. Three properties within the site boundary were scheduled for demolition: Mains of Greens Farm, Greens Bungalow, and Parkside of Greens. Access to the site was planned from the C29S road, with construction traffic primarily coming from the north via the B9170.

  The purpose of the development, as stated in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), was to strengthen the local transmission network and support new onshore and offshore connections, including offshore wind farm connections created through the ScotWind Offshore Wind leasing.

  The application was categorised as a National Development, as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009, and as identified in the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4).

  The report pack included 81 letters of representation objecting to the proposal, raising concerns about environmental impact, noise and amenity, water supply and drainage, health and social concerns, infrastructure and safety, project justification and local benefits, and regulatory and procedural issues.

  The report pack also included consultation responses from internal and external consultees, including Fythie, Monquitter and Rothienorman Community Council, Historic Environment Scotland, NatureScot, Scottish Water, and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).

  The report pack noted that the Buchan Area Committee's view on the application would be passed on to the Infrastructure Services Committee for its consideration when determining the application.

• Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2026-2031

  The committee was scheduled to provide feedback on the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2026-2031, which outlines investment priorities for affordable housing over a five-year period. The plan details how these priorities will be delivered and identifies the resources required, involving key partners. The report pack stated that the SHIP could potentially deliver 2291 new affordable homes, with around 617 suitable for Particular Needs and around 1793 units for social rent. The report pack also noted that 421 homes were proposed for Buchan.

  The report pack stated that the SHIP is subject to developments coming forward timeously and obtaining the necessary approvals and consents, and that inclusion in the SHIP does not represent a contract or award of funding for projects.

• APP/2025/0404 - Site at Mountheathie, New Pitsligo

  The committee was scheduled to consider a planning application for the change of use of agricultural land to domestic and the erection of a domestic storage building/workshop at a site at Mountheathie, New Pitsligo. The application was recommended for refusal because the proposed development would result in the permanent loss of Ancient Woodland. The report pack stated that the application had failed to assess the biodiversity impact and demonstrate appropriate mitigation and net gain, and that there were no demonstrable significant public benefits that would outweigh the loss.

• Area Committee Budget 2025/2026 - Final

  The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the disbursement of funds from the Buchan Area Committee Budget for 2025/2026. The report pack stated that the committee had a reduced budget of £35,600 to disburse, and that the committee had agreed to allocate funds to the Brighter Buchan Initiative, a Contingency Budget, an Area Committee Project Grant Fund, and a Small Grant Fund. The report pack noted that there was a remaining balance of £1,854.79 to be disbursed, and asked the committee to consider how this balance should be allocated.

• Asset Transfer Request - New Pitsligo Public Toilets

  The committee was scheduled to consider an asset transfer request from New Pitsligo Village Projects for ownership of the New Pitsligo Public Toilets. The report pack stated that New Pitsligo Village Projects propose to refurbish and reopen the existing toilet block, and that the purchase price would be a nominal sum of £1. The report pack also included a summary of a financial assessment that evaluated the evidence of community benefit demonstrated in the application.

• Peterhead Projects Update

  The committee was scheduled to receive an update on recent activity in relation to key Aberdeenshire Council-led or facilitated projects in the town of Peterhead. This included updates on the delivery of Peterhead Community Campus and the Peterhead Cultural Quarter. The report pack noted that a planning application had been submitted for the Peterhead Community Campus, and that the project team working on the Carnegie Building were seeking to finalise the scope of building services to allow for the planning application to be submitted as soon as possible. The report pack also stated that during the week commencing 8th September 2025, a range of town stakeholders and partners would be coming together in a shared space in the town centre to offer an opportunity for residents, businesses and visitors to have their say on the vision and priorities for Peterhead and help shape Peterhead over the next decade.

• Statement of Outstanding Business

  The committee was scheduled to review the statement of outstanding business as at 5 September 2025. The Statement of Business listed ongoing actions and their timelines, covering topics such as estate plans, landscape service works, education performance, planning applications, Peterhead projects, speed limit orders, fire service performance, and the suicide strategy.

Please note that this summary is based solely on the provided documents and does not reflect any actual discussions, decisions, or outcomes of the meeting.