Agenda and minutes

PRE-DETERMINATION HEARING

The Sub Committee met this day to conduct a predetermination hearing relative to the application (101299) by Aberdeen Football Club for planning permission in respect of the proposal for a 21,000 capacity sports and leisure stadium, associated car parking, access arrangements and landscaping at land at Loirston Loch, Wellington Road, Aberdeen.

The Convener opened the hearing by extending a welcome to all present.  She explained that the Hearing was required because the application fell within the category of a major development and is considered to be significantly contrary to Policy 28 (Greenbelt) of the Aberdeen Local Plan.

The Convener made it clear that the purpose of the predetermination hearing was for Elected Members to listen to the representations made by all parties and for officers to take various points away with them for consideration as part of their final evaluation of the proposal.  Reference was made to the new Code of Conduct for Councillors which came into effect on 21^st December, 2010.  In advance of detailed guidance on the Code of Conduct being issued, the Convener advised Members to continue with existing practices of not expressing opinions on the merits or otherwise of the proposal being discussed today.  In addition, Members were advised not to express opinions on the proposal prior to the application being referred to Council at which a final decision on the application would be made.  To do so would be to prejudge the final evaluation following consideration of the representations made today, as well as the responses of consultees and the written representations that have already been made.  The Convener concluded her opening remarks by asking members of the public due to speak to group together where possible if they were raising the same issues, and explained the format of the hearing, following which, the merits of the proposed development would be assessed by officers, taking into account all issues raised in written representations and by those speaking today.  A report with a full evaluation of the proposal would be put before the Council in due course.

At this point in the proceedings, the Sub Committee heard a statement from Mr. Alan Strachan, Nigg Community Council who raised a procedural point of order requesting that the Convener take no involvement in determination of the proposal due to the view of the Community Council that a conflict of interest existed.  The Acting Senior Democratic Services Manager advised the Sub Committee that the decision to declare any interest is one solely for each individual Member; that advice had been sought on this occasion and that there was no impediment to the Convener chairing this hearing.

The Convener invited Mr. Garfield Prentice, Senior Planner, Aberdeen City Council as the first speaker to address the Sub Committee.  He would describe the application proposal, advise with regard to the policy background and the main considerations arising, and identify the nature of the concerns expressed by consultees and objectors.  His presentation to the Sub Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.