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 8 December 2016 for approval.

The Forum resolved:-

to approve the minute as a correct record.

Case Officer:  Paul Williamson

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 Manson Architects on behalf of their client, Garthdee Properties Ltd, for a proposed major development for approximately 500 accommodation units with associated uses at Land West of Robert Gordon University Campus, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen – 170054.

The report advised that the site extends to 1.48 hectares and is located within the Pitfodels Conservation Area.  It is bound by Garthdee Road to the north, Norwood Hall Hotel and the associated grounds/woodland to the west and south, and the Robert Gordon University Garthdee Campus and Gray’s School of Art to the east.  It was noted that the proposed development could comprise 500 units of accommodation with associated uses and the red line boundary indicates that potential connections could be made to Garthdee Road to the north of the site, and to the east through the existing RGU campus.  The report also highlighted that the site is zoned as Green Belt within the recently adopted Local Development Plan and the suitability of this edge of settlement site for a development of student accommodation, and its relationship with adjoining uses, would be examined.

The Forum heard from Mr Ross Manson (Manson Architects) and Steve Keenan (Garthdee Properties Ltd) in regards to the proposed application.  Mr Keenan advised that he had previously attempted to buy the five acre site however for various reasons it had not been available.  He explained that the site was adjacent to the RGU campus and although it sat on a Green Belt site, there were many positive aspects to the proposed application.  Mr Keenan advised that (a) it would be an advantage to students to have accommodation on the campus of RGU, (b) they were aiming the accommodation at international students, (c) they wanted to make the accommodation demographically and economically attractive and (d) they were in early talks with RGU in regards to the application.

Mr Manson advised that in regards to the application, the site was selected in order to create a place beside the university that would be hugely beneficial, and enhance both the university and campus.  Mr Manson highlighted that by having student accommodation in Garthdee, it would reduce the need for students living in HMO’s and in family homes.  He also advised that they contacted neighbouring properties who intimated that they would like to see a world renowned student accommodation provided.  Mr Manson also showed various slides which highlighted other universities in various other countries, who offered a campus with student accommodation attached.

The Forum then heard from Paul Williamson, Case Officer, who addressed the Forum and provided details regarding the planning aspects of the application and responded to questions from members.  Mr Williamson explained that the identified site is largely bound by trees and woodland, some of which is covered by a Tree Preservation Order, with the remaining area grassed.  He also indicated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.