Agenda item

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 Convener indicated that he wished the matter to be referred to Council for determination, and was supported in this regard by Councillors Boulton, Donnelly, Jean Morrison and Lawrence.