Agenda and minutes

The Forum had before it the procedure note and guidance for members on the operation of Forum meetings.

The Forum resolved:-

to note the procedure note and guidance for members.

The Forum had before it the minute of its previous meeting of 27 October 2016 for approval.

The Forum resolved:-

to approve the minute as a correct record.

Planning Officer:  Lucy Greene

The Forum had before it a report by the Interim Head of Planning and Sustainable Development on a submission of a Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) by Burness Paull on behalf of their client, Cults Property Development Company Ltd, for a proposed sports facility (including all weather pitch, sports pavilion and changing facilities), small development of a mix of housing (including retirement village) and creation of relief road between Inchgarth Road and North Deeside Road

The report advised that the site was 9.87 Hectares in size and consisted of fields, with trees along the boundaries.  There is a significant change in levels across the site, with the southern site boundary sitting more than 20m below the level at North Deeside Road.  The land is located within the Pitfodels Conservation Area and trees along North Deeside Road are protected by Tree Preservation Order (TPO).  Running across the middle of the site is the Deeside Walkway whilst the site is bounded to the south by Inchgarth Road and to the north by North Deeside Road.  The site is identified as a likely bat habitat and the Deeside Walkway is designated as a core path.

The report also noted that there were two possible options shown on the submitted plans and both involved the creation of the link road between North Deeside Road and Inchgarth Road, crossing the former Deeside Railway footpath via a bridge.  Both options include

-       Flats, shown in a layout derived from large detached houses within individual plots;

-       Townhouses, indicated as semi detached;

-       Six small shop units, with indicative proposed uses including doctors surgery, pharmacy, physiotherapist, hairdressers, newsagents and coffee shop;

-       Care home, indicative size of 40 bedrooms.

In the south west area of the site, there are two options indicated. 

Option A – all weather pitch and pavilion, containing changing rooms and associated facilities

Option B – retirement units with open space.

The Forum heard from David Suttie, Cults Property Development Company Ltd and Theresa Hunt, Burness Paull.  Mr Suttie outlined the proposal in detail and responded to various questions from members.  Mr Suttie explained that they had an innovative design to improve the road and also presentations on consultation regarding the possible changes had been undertaken with two public consultations held at the Marcliffe Hotel.  Mr Suttie explained that they would be willing to develop either of the proposed options.  In regards to the proposed sports facility, Mr Suttie advised that the facility might not be in use after 9pm and the wildlife corridor would also be retained.  He indicated that they were currently in talks with Robert Gordon University regarding the proposals and they were very supportive, as Mr Suttie highlighted there was a requirement for a sports facility in the Garthdee area.

Mr Suttie provided details on both option A and option B.

The Forum then heard from Lucy Greene, Case Officer, who addressed the Forum and provided details regarding the planning aspects of the application and responded to questions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.