Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

http://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=348&MId=2887&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 Convener welcomed the new members of the Planning Development Management Committee, and thanked former members Councillors Grant, MacGregor, Samarai and Townson for their work during their time on the Committee.

The Committee had before it the minute of its previous meeting of 25 September.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the minute as a correct record, subject to noting that Councillor Jean Morrison had not been present at the meeting in September.

Planning Reference – 131483

Planning application documents can be viewed here - http://planning.aberdeencity.gov.uk/PlanningDetail.asp?ref=131483

The Committee had before it a report by the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development which recommended:-

That the Committee approve the application for an extension to Aberdeen Science and Energy Park to provide 48,000sqm of office, industrial and warehouse floor space, subject to the following conditions:-

(1) That no development shall be undertaken in any phase of the development hereby approved unless a detailed phasing programme, outlining the delivery programme for the key elements of strategic infrastructure required for the entire site, has been submitted to, and approved in writing by the planning authority via a formal 'Matters Specified in Conditions' application.  The phasing programme shall include any platforming/regrading, strategic landscaping, delivery programme for buildings, open space and roads infrastructure.  The development shall not be implemented otherwise than in accordance with any such approved phasing programme unless the planning authority has given written consent for a variation - in order to ensure development is progressively accompanied by appropriate associated infrastructure, and to inform the timescale for submission of further applications for 'Matters Specified in Conditions' specified in the planning authority's direction stated in this notice; (2) that none of the elements of the strategic infrastructure referred to in Condition 1, that are to be implemented prior to any development in direct connection with the construction of any individual building, shall take place unless the details of any such element (along with any supporting studies or information) have been submitted to and approved in writing by the planning authority.  Development shall not occur otherwise than in full accordance with any such approval unless the planning authority has given written consent for a variation - in order to ensure development is progressively accompanied by appropriate associated infrastructure, and to enable the coherent development of the entire site; (3) no development in connection with any individual building of the planning permission hereby approved shall take place until full details of the: siting, design, external appearance of buildings; hard and soft landscaping within the relevant phase of the development and the means of access serving the relevant phase/block of development have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. The development shall then be implemented in complete accordance with the approved details, or those subsequently approved. Depending on the phase/block, and unless otherwise agreed in writing with the planning authority, the MSC applications shall include:

(a) A detailed levels survey of the respective site, subject to any individual application, and cross sections showing proposed finished ground and floor levels relative to existing ground levels and a fixed datum point within the relevant phase/block of development, as well as sectional details giving a contextual position relative to surrounding land; (b) A detailed Drainage Plan for the relevant phase/block of development, including full details of the proposed means of disposal of surface water from the relevant phase/block of development, including how surface water run-off shall be addressed during construction, as well as incorporating the principles of pollution prevention  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Planning Reference – 140435

Planning Application documents can be viewed here - http://planning.aberdeencity.gov.uk/PlanningDetail.asp?ref=140435

The Committee had before it a report by the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development which recommended:-

That the Committee approve the application for the provision of infrastructure including access, internal road layout, landscaping and drainage provision for Phase 1 of the residential-led mixed use development at Aberdeen Local Development Plan Site OP58 – Countesswells, West of Hazlehead Park, subject to the following conditions:-

(1) that the roads layout hereby approved shall be constructed, drained, laid-out and demarcated in accordance with drawing No's. 92762/1193 Rev A, 92762/1107, 110342_Ph1a_Infra_X01, 110342_Ph1a_Infra_X02, 92762/1100 Rev B, 92762/1101 Rev B, 92762/1102 Rev B, 92762/1200 Rev A, 92762/1201 Rev A, 92762/1202, 92762/1203 Rev A, and 92762/1204 of the plans hereby approved or such other drawing as may subsequently be submitted and approved in writing by the planning authority - in the interests of public safety and the free flow of traffic; (2) no road gradients within the application site boundary should exceed 1 in 16 (6.25%) - in the interest of road safety; (3) that no development shall take place unless a scheme demonstrating that the roads within the development have been designed to appropriately manage vehicle speeds within the development has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority, and thereafter implemented in full – in the interests of road safety; (4) that no development shall take place within the application site until the applicant has secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological work which shall include post-excavation and publication work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation which has been submitted by the applicant and approved by the planning authority - in the interests of protecting items of historical importance as may exist within the application site; (5) that no development pursuant to the planning permission hereby approved shall be carried out unless there has been submitted to and approved in writing for the purpose by the planning authority a further detailed scheme of hard and soft landscaping for the site (including play areas), which scheme shall include indications of all existing trees and landscaped areas on the land, and details of any to be retained, together with measures for their protection in the course of development, and the proposed areas of tree/shrub planting including details of numbers, densities, locations, species, sizes and stage of maturity at planting, all in accordance with Countesswells Development Framework/Phase 1 Masterplan, and the submitted Design and Access Statement (Dated March 2014) - in the interests of the amenity of the area; (6) that all planting, seeding and turfing comprised in the approved scheme of landscaping shall be carried out in the first planting season following the completion of the development and any trees or plants which within a period of 5 years from the completion of the development die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of a size and species similar to those originally required to be planted,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Planning Reference – 141246

Planning application documents can be viewed here - http://planning.aberdeencity.gov.uk/PlanningDetail.asp?ref=141246

With reference to article ?? of the minute of the Planning Development Management Committee of 28 November 2013, the Committee had before it a report by the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development which recommended:-

That the Committee approve the application for the change of use of the former police station at Mid Stocket Road to residential accommodation (amendment to Planning Permission 131363), subject to the following conditions:-

(1)  That no development pursuant to this planning permission shall take place nor shall the building be occupied unless there has been submitted to and approved in writing for the purpose by the Planning Authority an assessment of the noise levels likely within the building, unless the planning authority has given prior written approval for a variation.  The assessment shall be prepared by a suitably qualified independent noise consultant and shall recommend any measures necessary to ensure a satisfactory noise attenuation for the building. The property shall not be occupied unless the said measures have been implemented in full - in the interests of residential amenity; (2)  that no development shall take place unless a scheme detailing all external finishing materials to the roof terrace and walls of the development hereby approved has been submitted to, and approved in writing by, the planning authority and thereafter the development shall be carried out in accordance with the details so agreed - in the interests of visual amenity; and (3) that no development shall commence until full details of the replacement window(s) hereby approved (including detailed cross section(s)) has been submitted to and approved by the Planning Authority.  The visible part of the outer frame of the front windows hereby approved shall not exceed 25 mm in width at the top and sides of the window opening with the remainder of the frame being concealed behind the masonry window check, unless the planning authority has given prior written approval for a variation. Thereafter, the windows shall be implemented in accordance with the approved plans - in order to preserve the character of the conservation area.

The Convener moved, seconded by Councillor Jean Morrison:-

That the application be approved in accordance with the recommendation contained within the report.

Councillor Cormie moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Jennifer Stewart:-

That the application be refused on the grounds that the proposed development was out of character with the surrounding area; and due to the potential impact on the amenity of other residents in relation to noise pollution.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (7) – the Convener; and Councillors Crockett, Dickson, Donnelly, Jaffrey, Lawrence and Jean Morrison; for the amendment (7) – Councillors Boulton, Corall, Cormie, Greig, Jennifer Stewart, Sandy Stuart, and Thomson.

There being an equality of votes, in accordance with Standing Order 15(5) the Convener exercised his vote in favour of the motion.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

Planning Reference – 141008

Planning application documents can be viewed here - http://planning.aberdeencity.gov.uk/PlanningDetail.asp?ref=141008

The Committee had before it a report by the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development, which recommended:-

That the Committee approve the application for the erection of a two storey side extension and roof terrace at 13 Manor Place, Cults, subject to the following conditions:-

(1) that no development shall take place unless a scheme detailing all external finishing materials to the roof and walls of the development hereby approved has been submitted to, and approved in writing by, the planning authority and thereafter the development shall be carried out in accordance with the details so agreed - in the interests of visual amenity; (2) that no development shall take place unless a plan incorporating the retention or formation of a front boundary treatment sufficient to ensure that no vehicles can access the property’s driveway other than by using the existing footway crossing is submitted to, and approved in writing by, the planning authority and thereafter the development shall be carried out in accordance with the details so agreed – in the interests of vehicular and pedestrian safety; (3) the raised terrace on the rear and side elevations of the extension hereby approved should not be used unless the 1.55m high timber screening shown along the northeastern elevation on drawing no. A3-03 Rev A, or other as agreed in writing with the planning authority, is in place and thereafter shall remain in perpetuity - in the interests of protecting residential amenity.

The Convener moved, seconded by Councillor Dickson:-

That the application be approved in accordance with the recommendation contained within the report, and with an adjustment to the height of the timber privacy screen from 1.55m to 1.8m.

Councillor Boulton moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Cormie:-

That the application be refused on the grounds that the design of the application and the materials to be used were not in keeping with the surrounding area; that the application represented overdevelopment of the site; due to the impact on the amenity and privacy of neighbouring properties; and as the application was contrary to Policy D1 (Architecture and Placemaking) of the Aberdeen Local Development Plan.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (6) – the Convener; and Councillors Crockett, Dickson, Greig, Lawrence and Jean Morrison; for the amendment (8) – Councillors Boulton, Corall, Cormie, Donnelly, Jaffrey, Jennifer Stewart, Sandy Stuart and Thomson.           

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the amendment and refuse the application.

Planning Reference – 141210

Planning application documents can be viewed here - http://planning.aberdeencity.gov.uk/PlanningDetail.asp?ref=141210

The Committee had before it a report the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development which recommended:-

That the Committee grant unconditional approval to the application for the erection of a family room to the rear of the property at 59 Dubford Crescent, Bridge of Don.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

Planning Reference – 140755

Planning application documents can be viewed here - http://planning.aberdeencity.gov.uk/PlanningDetail.asp?ref=140755

With reference to article ?? of the minute of Council of 8 October 2014, the Committee had before it a report by the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development which recommended:-

That the Committee express a willingness to approve the application for the removal of the steps and balustrade to the front of Provost Skene’s House; the re-profile and renewal of surface finishes between the balustrade and Provost Skene’s House; and the relocation of the stone arch on the site, subject to notification to Historic Scotland, and the following conditions:-

(1)  That no part of the works hereby authorised shall be undertaken unless the following information has been submitted to, and agreed in writing by, the planning authority, in consultation with Historic Scotland. Thereafter, all works shall be carried out in full accordance with the details so agreed, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the planning authority:- (a) large-scale drawings and plans showing the re-positioned archway and adjoining walls; (b) a detailed methodology/specification for the careful dismantling of the 20th century rubble wall and the repositioning of the archway; (c) details for salvaging and re-use of the armorial panel, currently within part of the wall beside the archway; (d) details of the provenance, significance and estimated age of the freestanding wall to the north-east of Provost Skene's House, along with proposals/recommendations for its removal, retention or re-siting as appropriate; (e) full specification, together with large scale elevation/section drawings and plans, for the detailed treatment for the existing Provost Skene's entrance courtyard, as well as the outdoor spaces adjoining its other three sides, as part of the wider public realm scheme for the Marischal Square Project. This should include details of any new surfacing, planter walls, seating, lighting and other alterations to the outdoor spaces immediately adjoining Provost Skene's House; and (2) no development shall take place within the area indicated (in this case the area of the whole development) until the applicant has secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation which has been submitted by the applicant and approved by the Planning Authority. The programme of archaeological work will include all necessary post- excavation and publication work - in the interests of protecting items of historical importance as may exist within the application site.

The Convener moved, seconded by Councillor Donnelly:-

That the application be approved in accordance with the recommendation contained within the report.

Councillor Jennifer Stewart moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Corall:-

That the application be refused, on the grounds that the proposal would adversely affect the character and special historical interest of Provost Skene’s House.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (5) – the Convener; and Councillors Boulton, Donnelly, Lawrence and Jean Morrison; for the amendment (8) – Councillors Corall, Cormie, Dickson, Greig, Jaffrey, Jennifer Stewart, Sandy Stuart and Thomson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the amendment and refuse the application.

In terms of Standing Order 36(3), the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Planning Reference – 131698

Planning application documents can be viewed here - http://planning.aberdeencity.gov.uk/PlanningDetail.asp?ref=131698

The Committee had before it a report by the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development which recommended:-

That the Committee refuse the application for a proposed new house at 11 Baillieswells Road, Bieldside, on the following grounds:-

That the siting of the proposed house would result in an adverse impact upon important trees outwith the application site (covered by a Tree Preservation Order) as the works would interfere with the roots of the trees that were important to the landscape setting of the local area. In addition, the proposed house would restrict the growth of younger trees within the Tree Preservation Order, limiting the area available for root growth.  As such the proposals were considered to be contrary to the requirements policy NE5 – Trees and Woodlands of the Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2012, as well as guidance contained with the Council’s Supplementary Guidance documents “Trees and Woodlands” and “The Sub-division and Redevelopment of Residential Curtilages”.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation and refuse the application.

Planning Reference – 140896

Planning application documents can be viewed here - http://planning.aberdeencity.gov.uk/PlanningDetail.asp?ref=140896

The Committee had before it a report by the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development which recommended:-

That the Committee refuse the application for a change of use from flatted properties to 18 serviced apartments to include a three storey rear extension and associated ground works, car parking and landscaping; the demolition of the rear boundary wall; and the formation of a new entrance at 25-29 Queens Road on the following grounds:-

(1)  That the proposal, if approved, would be significantly detrimental to and thus not preserve or enhance the character of Conservation Area 4 (Albyn Place/ Rubislaw), and would adversely affect the setting of the Category C listed building on site and those Category C and B listed buildings on adjacent sites, due to the excessive length of the proposed development, the loss of the sense of open space within the site and the  inappropriate scale of development in relation to the existing building which would resut in over-development.  The proposal would therefore be contrary to Scottish Planning Policy, Scottish Historic Environment Policy and Policies D1 (Architecture and Placemaking) and D5 (Built Heritage) of the Aberdeen Local Development Plan; (2) that the proposal, if approved, would set an undesirable precedent for similar developments in the surrounding Conservation Area 4 (Albyn Place/ Rubislaw) which would  have a significant adverse effect and undermine the special character of the area; and (3) that the proposal, by virtue of its scale and massing, and its proximity to the neighbouring property at 31 Queen’s Road which currently operates as a care home, would have a substantial negative impact on the amenity of those residents of the care home whose bedroom accommodation at either ground or 1^st floor level would face onto the proposed development.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)        to refuse the application;

(ii)       to instruct officers to proceed with enforcement measures in relation to the restoration of the original garden levels, rebuilding of the random rubble wall, and a scheme of replacement tree planting; and

(iii)      to request that the Head of Legal and Democratic Services report back to the next meeting of the Planning Development Management Committee on punitive action which could be taken by the Council in respect of the unauthorised works.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update on the planning enforcement work which had been undertaken by the Planning and Sustainable Development Service for the period from 1 October 2013 to 30 September 2014.

The report recommended:-

that Committee note the content of the report.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)     to congratulate officers in relation to the amount of enforcement work which had been undertaken;  and

(ii)    to otherwise note the report.

MATTER OF URGENCY

The Convener intimated that he had directed in terms of Section 50(B)(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the following item of business be considered as a matter of urgency to enable the new National Roads Development Guide to be adopted by the Council.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which advised on the National Roads Development Guide which had been produced by the Society for Chief Officers of Transport in Scotland (SCOTS), supported by Transport Scotland and Scottish Government Planning and Architecture Division.  The document supported the Designing Streets policy and expanded on its principles to provide further clarity on its use.  The report proposed variations for its use in Aberdeen, particularly with regard to guiding developers who were preparing submissions for Roads Construction Consent.

The report recommended:-

that Committee confirm the use of the National Roads Development Guide (NRDG) by officers, with the following local variations applicable to Aberdeen City Council:-

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation contained in the report.

The Convener advised members that the Council had been successful at the recent Scottish Government ‘Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning 2014’, winning the Community Engagement category for the Council’s work in engaging young people in the Local Development Plan; and winning in the Development Plan category for the Strategic Infrastructure Plan.  The Council’s SURF project had also been shortlisted in the Community Engagement category.

The Committee resolved:-
to congratulate Dr Bochel and her team on their success.
- COUNCILLOR RAMSAY MILNE, Convener