Issue - meetings

Members, please note that all plans and supporting documents relevant to the review can be viewed online here and by entering the application reference number 230652.

The Local Review Body (LRB) of Aberdeen City Council met on this day to review the decision taken by an appointed officer under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation for the non-determination of application for the erection of balcony with external stairs and formation of door from an existing window opening to rear at 36 Albyn Place, Aberdeen.

Councillor McRae as Chair for the meeting, gave a brief outline of the business to be undertaken, advising that the LRB would be addressed by the Assistant Clerk, Mr Mark Masson with regards to the procedure to be followed and thereafter, by Ms Lucy Greene who would be acting as the Planning Adviser to the Body in the following case under consideration this day.

The Chairperson stated that although the Planning Adviser was employed by the planning authority, she had not been involved in any way with the consideration or determination of the application under review and was present to provide factual information and guidance to the Body only.  He emphasised that the officer would not be asked to express any view on the proposed application.

The Local Review Body was then addressed by Mr Masson, Assistant Clerk in regard to the procedure to be followed, at which time reference was made to the procedure note circulated with the papers calling the meeting and to more general aspects relating to the procedure.

In relation to the application, the LRB had before it (1) a delegated report by the Appointed Officer, Aberdeen City Council; (2) an application dated 26 May 2023; (3) links to the plans showing the proposal and planning policies referred to in the delegated report; and (4) the Notice of Review submitted by the applicant.

Ms Greene then described the site and outlined the appellant’s proposal which sought planning permission for the erection of balcony with external stairs and formation of door from an existing window opening to rear.

Ms Greene indicated that the appointed officer’s reasons for refusal outlined in the report of handling was as follows:-

·       Door opening generally compliant, no justification for loss and re-use of granite, or for loss of original window – however, principle acceptable in terms of HES and LDP guidance/policy on Windows and Doors.

·       the excessive scale, inappropriate design and limited detail on material would an adverse effect on the built environment, contrary to NPF4 Policy 14 (Design, Quality and Place) & Policy D1 (Quality Placemaking) of the LDP.  Proposed balcony would have a significant negative impact on integrity, character and special architectural interest of the listed building and its overall setting and oversized scale and the height at which the balcony would be fixed, it would be clearly visible from outwith the application site - neither preserving nor enhancing the character of the conservation area.

·       External fixtures Guidance (HES) requires consideration of scale and method of fixing; balcony is of inappropriate scale and materials and fixing method unknown; and

·       Contrary to:-

-       NPF4 Policy 7 (Historic Assets and Places);

-       LDP Policy D6 (Historic  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1