Agenda and minutes

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There were no declarations of interest intimated.

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The Committee conducted a site visit prior to the Hearing.  The Committee was addressed by Mr Matthew Easton, 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.

With reference to article 4 of the meeting of the Planning Development Management Committee of 20 September 2018, the Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Strategic Place Planning, which (1) advised that the Council’s adopted guidelines required that where a planning application had been the subject of more than 20 objections and was a development in which the Council has a financial interest, a report to Committee was triggered to seek a decision on whether or not a public hearing should be held; (2) indicated that the Committee resolved to hold a discretionary public hearing in respect of the application for the erection of three class 3 (food and drink) units including two with drive-thru facilities at land adjacent to Veterinary Hospital Kingswells; and (3) provided background information on the proposal for the purposes of the hearing and explained that at this stage no assessment of the merits or failings of the proposal was made in the report.

The Committee heard from the Convener who opened the hearing by welcoming those present and providing information on the running order of the hearing.  She explained that the first person to address the hearing would be Mr Matthew Easton and asked that speakers adhere to their allocated time in order for the hearing to run smoothly and in a timely manner.  

The Committee then heard from Matthew Easton, Senior Planner, Strategic Place Planning who addressed the Committee in the following terms:-

Mr Easton explained that the application related to a site comprising approximately 1.5 hectares, located to the south of the Prime Four Business Park, to the east of Westhill, west of Kingswells and west of Aberdeen city centre. It comprised a grass field, a timber stable block, paddock and car park which at present forms part of the ‘Ardene House Vets Practice’, which along with the site were enclosed by mature woodland belts to the north, east and south-west. Beyond the site to the north and east are: Kingswells House which was a B-listed building; and Prime Four Business Park, which comprised large modern office buildings and a hotel.

The site was accessed from the A944 dual carriageway and there was shared foot and cycle way which formed part of Core Path 91 along the same route. On the opposite side of the road to the south were three residential properties.

The AWPR South Kingswells Junction was around 460m to the west and when open will join the A944 at this point.

In regard to the proposal, detailed planning permission was sought for the construction of three separate class 3 (food and drink) outlets, two of which would have drive-thru facilities. Ardene House Veterinary Hospital would remain in its current location.

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.