The latest Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee meeting was held on Tuesday 9th December at Viewmount. The agenda and supporting reports are available here, along with the recordings of the public part of the meeting.
The reports presented and discussed were
· Ury Estate Masterplan
· Land to the West of Glenfinnan, Portlethen
· Environment & Infrastructure Services Area Performance Update 2025/2026
· Education & Children’s Services Mid-Year Performance Monitoring Report 2024/25
Ury Estate Masterplan
The Committee was asked to agree the Masterplan for Ury Estate as the context for the general layout and approach for any subsequent planning application(s). The planning department gave a presentation and recommended that the committee approve the masterplan. This is a high-level document, and detail will be provided as individual planning applications are submitted. The plan can be viewed here.
The document generated a lot of questions and discussion, particularly around expected timescales for delivery of the work, both for works already holding permission and that proposed within the masterplan. The planning representative explained that this was outwith their control, and he was “hopeful” of dates being met. This language was challenged by several councillors, who were less convinced by the proposed phasing of work. Other points of discussion included potential flood risks, the required link road, the supermarket and proximity to the existing pipeline. After the discussion the committee unanimously approved the masterplan.
Land to the West of Glenfinnan, Portlethen
This planning application related to the proposed building of a house on Glenfinnan Farm, to provide accommodation on-site for an additional agricultural worker. A previous application had been refused, and the planning representative explained that this application was also recommended for refusal, as alternative accommodation was available within Portlethen, and also because the site was located within the Coastal Zone. The applicant spoke passionately about the need to be onsite to provide timely care for the 800 animals currently on the farm, and this need was supported by the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) and also by the farm’s vet.
Councillors asked questions of both the applicant and the planning department, including details of the livestock held, current living arrangements, the possibility of the house being sold on the open market in future and the option of a restriction being placed on future use. Once the debate was concluded councillors unanimously agreed to approve the application without restrictions, against planning recommendations, on the basis that the applicant had demonstrated a valid need for the dwelling house.
Environment & Infrastructure Services (EIS) Area Performance Update 2025/2026
Alan Wood, the Director of Environment and Infrastructure Services presented this report, and highlighted that of the 10 performance indicators reported, 6 are green and meeting targets, and 4 are red, as they are missing targets. The entire report can be found here. The Director highlighted the low number of street lighting faults resolved within 7 days as not as good as they should be. There is, however, now a full complement of three electricians working, and the department are prioritising the order of repairs. Councillors commented positively on the format of the report, finding it easy to use. They also had many concerns, particularly around street lighting faults within Stonehaven. The Leisure Centre car park lights were a major issue, along with other areas where adjacent lights have failed. The aging column infrastructure, and cabling issues were also raised. The Director stated that keeping the public informed was a priority, as this affected the quality of waiting time.
Education & Children’s Services Mid-Year Performance Monitoring Report 2024/25
Laurence Findlay, Director of Education and Children’s Services (ECS) presented this report, and he highlighted some of the positives, including attainment in the senior phase in the three local academies, the increase in foundation apprenticeships being undertaken by pupils and the decrease in exclusions. Participation in Community Learning and Development (CLD) is well below target with 44 participants against a target of 150. The difficulties of staff recruitment was identified as a key reason for this target being missed. Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) membership numbers are strong, although participation figures are still below target. The full report can be viewed here.
The discussion which followed covered congratulations to the young people on their attainments but queried the differences between the three academies. The Director explained that cohorts and demographics varied across the area, and he was confident in all three schools. He also described increased mental health concerns, particularly following Covid, and that some pupils are dropping their number of subjects. He explained that providing support is important, but so is challenging pupils to reach their potential.
CLD capacity was queried, and it was highlighted that the report doesn’t include missed need, although the work which CLD do carry out is good.
Finally there was some discussion of the teething troubles which have resulted from the merger of the Live Life Aberdeenshire and the Education and Children’s Services facility hire systems. Staff are working with Microsoft to iron out glitches which should improve the process. No drop off in bookings has been seen to date.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 13th January.