Agenda and minutes

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

http://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=348&MId=4231&Ver=4

Please note that if any changes are made to this minute at the point of approval, these will be outlined in the subsequent minute and this document will not be retrospectively altered.

The Committee conducted a site visit prior to the Hearing. The Committee was addressed by Mr Andrew Miller, Senior Planner who summarised the proposal for the overall site.

The Convener explained that the Committee would return to the Town House to commence the Hearing.

The Hearing was opened by the Convener who extended a warm welcome to all present and explained that at the Planning Development Management Committee meeting of 17 March 2016, consideration was given to a report which recommended that a public hearing be arranged, and that this had been agreed.

The Convener made it clear that the purpose of the Hearing was not to determine the application but to allow the Committee to consider (1) officers’ objective views of the development; (2) details of the development presented by the developer and their agents; and (3) the views of those who submitted written representations and responded positively to the invitation to speak at the Hearing.   The Convener advised that a decision would not be taken until the Planning Development Management Committee meeting on 16 June 2016 at the earliest.

The Convener invited Mr Andrew Miller, Senior Planner, Aberdeen City Council, as the first speaker to address the Committee. Mr Miller described the application proposal, advised on the policy background and the main issues arising, and identified the nature of the concerns expressed by consultees and objectors. His presentation to the Committee was in the following terms:-

The application before members was for detailed planning permission for the demolition of Victoria Road Primary School and the erection of 56 residential units that would be split into the following:-

• 23 terraced 3 bedroom houses in the northern half of the site accessed from Abbey Road; and
• 33 flats in two 3-storey blocks on the southern half of the site accessed from Victoria Road.

Parking would be provided on site with two car club spaces on Victoria Road.  Six trees would be lost but nine would be retained, that were subject to a Tree Preservation Order.  In regard to consultation Mr Miller explained that as this was classed as a major development, the proposed development was the subject of pre-application consultation in Torry Youth and Leisure Centre on 25 February 2015 between the applicant and the local community.  The consultation was publicised in the press as well as public notices being displayed in the surrounding area and notifications sent direct to 103 neighbours.  The event entailed a drop in exhibition open to the public with specific invites for a preview before the event sent to Torry Community Council and Torry/Ferryhill Elected Members.  It was estimated that 85 members of the public attended.  Two presentations were also given at the Council’s Pre Application Forum.

In regards to consultees, SEPA had objected to the application and Mr Miller described various issues raised from the Roads Department.

Members then asked questions of Mr Miller, and the following information was noted:-

• The property could be demolished at anytime without planning consent;
• The re-use of the granite could be stipulated as a condition of the application
• The Council owned the two derelict buildings that are on the site.

The Convener then invited Mr Gregor Whyte, Engineering Officer, Aberdeen City Council, to address the Committee.

Mr Whyte explained that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.