Agenda and minutes

The agenda and reports associated with this minute can be found at:-

http://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=284&MId=3423&Ver=4

With reference to the Minute of Meeting of the Local Review Body of 4 July, 2014, wherein the Members agreed to defer consideration of the above application and agreed to hold a site visit, the Local Review Body of Aberdeen City Council met this day to review the decision taken by an appointed officer under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation to refuse the application (P131419) for planning permission for the erection of a new 3 storey dwelling house at Pinelands, Murtle Den Road, Milltimber, Aberdeen.

The Members visited the site, whereat they were invited to ask the Planning Adviser (Mr Evans) any questions relating to the site.  The Chairperson stated that although the Planning Adviser was employed by the planning authority he 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 Members of the Local Review Body were shown the plans on site and the Planning Adviser was asked questions relating to the sites within the neighbouring Oldfold development which had been approved for development (OP62) in the Aberdeen Local Development Plan.

Members specifically asked questions relating to the area to the north of Murtle Den Road which had been identified as being suitable for further residential development (up to 9 units), which would be distinct from the rest of the Oldfold development and would in essence be an extension of Murtle Den Road.

The Members asked to visit the area to the north of Murtle Den Road.  The Members visited the area and Councillor Donnelly asked the Planning Adviser questions relating to how close this area (and the proposed development at Pinelands) was to the Green Belt boundary.  The Planning Adviser reminded Members that although there was a need to regenerate areas the Local Plan had primacy over these matters.

The Members then returned to the Town House to determine the application.

The Chairperson stated that he agreed with the reasons which had been given by the case officer for refusal.  He expressed the view that if the application was approved then this could set a precedent for similar applications and would erode the Green Belt, and that therefore the application was contrary to Policy NE2 of the Local Plan.

Councillor Donnelly stated that in his view the precedent had already been set by approval of OP62 (Oldfold) in the Local Development Plan.  He was also of the opinion that the additional 9 units at the north of Murtle Den Road were an extension of the road and therefore an additional 1 unit on the proposed site could be absorbed.  He stated that he would approve the application subject to suitable conditions.

Councillor Lawrence stated that he agreed with Councillor Donnelly as in his opinion the size of the proposed development was not detrimental to the Green  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.