Welcome to our weekly round-up detailing some of the latest planning applications lodged with Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils.
This week we take a look at two enviable new houses planned in the north-east, with an eye-catching steading conversion at Fyvie and new home overlooking the Deeside countryside near Aboyne.
And there’s a dispute about the No 10 bar and restaurant’s marquee, which hospitality bosses want to reinstate on Queen’s Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen.
Elsewhere, our round-up covers quarries and kickboxing – and a pair of plans to help tackle climate change…
Electric bus depot plans approved
First, some game-changing plans to make public transport more environmentally friendly have now been sealed by Aberdeen City Council.
Edinburgh-based coach operator Ember, which runs the world’s only fully electric fleet, has been given permission to create a new depot at Bridge of Don.
Their coaches will now be recharged on old storage ground just off Ellon Road, before taking Aberdonians to various other Scottish cities in a way that doesn’t harm Mother Earth.
There will be enough space for eight buses to charge simultaneously.
Ember, which operates buses between Edinburgh, Dundee, Kinross, Edinburgh Airport and other locations, says the transition to electric vehicles is “essential to combating global warming and reducing air pollution”.
The space was previously used by the BOC energy firm to store gas.
Before the council granted permission, BOC had to confirm that any safety risk was now minimal due to “lower gas quantities being stored at the site”.
And the firm’s head of estates, Glen Jenkins, said Ember personnel would be included in future safety training sessions.
Ellon solar farm
Another application with benefits for the environment has been lodged for fields on the southern outskirts of Ellon.
Renewable Connections Developments (RCD) is asking Aberdeenshire Council to grant permission for a solar farm covering 88 acres at Kincraig.
The firm says: “The proposed development will make a significant contribution towards meeting renewable energy targets, not only locally but for the whole of the UK.”
RCD adds that the site had been earmarked for forestry – but with little success.
Papers sent to the council state: “The forestry has since failed due to the location not being suitable, resulting in the trees dying.”
Bosses hope to operate from the site for 40 years.
It is estimated to generate around 21.3 gigawatt hours every year – enough to power approximately 6,000 homes and saving 9.500 tonnes of CO2 emissions from further exacerbating the climate emergency.
It comes just weeks after councillors backed plans for Scotland’s biggest solar farm at St Fergus.
Offices used to plot Braemar Gathering could become new home
The former office of the Braemar Royal Highland Society, an organisation that dates back to 1815 and has run the famous Braemar Gathering games event since 1832, is in line for changes.
Catterline-based John Rowand has submitted proposals to turn the picturesque building into a house.
Blueprints show how the building would be transformed with a kitchen, bedroom, living room and dining area on the ground floor and a bed deck on the first floor.
It would also have a wood burning stove – something of a necessity in Braemar, where cold weather and power cuts are common in the winter.
Will council cement plans to produce concrete at Park Quarry?
The operators of Park Quarry, near Durris, want to create a new recycling plant as well as extending the lifetime of the site.
JKR say the sand and gravel extraction plant is “a vital resource for the local construction industry”.
Having recently taken on the site, JKR commissioned research that found it has about 500,000 tonnes of material yet to be mined.
But planning permission is due to expire in October, so the company is appealing for an extension for another eight years.
And the firm wants permission to create a new facility there to process construction and demolition waste, turning it into aggregate which can form “high strength concrete products”.
Dream home in scenic Deeside surroundings
Richard and Rachel Sedgwick are seeking permission to build a new home on land they own at Ballogie, near Aboyne.
Their architects, HebHomes, state: “As the quality of traditional, old rural housing
degrades, there is a need for the construction of new housing to complement the more historical buildings in the area.”
New Aberdeen kickboxing studio approved
Now, some good news for martial arts fans.
Plans to turn a disused warehouse near Aberdeen Harbour into a kickboxing studio have been endorsed by the council.
The application was lodged by Steve Evans, the owner and head instructor at Nemesis Kickboxing Academy – which is currently based in Inchgarth Community Centre.
Council officers raised no issues with the location, saying it would not cause traffic or noise complaints.
Nearby, plans to turn a former industrial unit on Commerce Street into a dance school were recently approved as well.
The Leah Aitken Performance Academy will take over the old plant and tool hire centre.
Practice could make perfect for Inverurie golfers
For those who like their sporting pursuits to be a bit more leisurely, Inverurie Golf Club has applied for permission to build a new practice shelter.
The four-bay model would be built at the west end of the green, perhaps helping to turn local Maurice Flitcrofts into the next Colin Montgomerie.
Turf war breaks out over No 10 marquee
A row has erupted about the muddy footprint left behind on Aberdeen’s Queens Terrace Gardens as a result of the No 10 bar and restaurant’s marquee.
Earlier this year, the venue asked the council for permission to bring back the outdoor area – which bosses say cost £100,000 and helped the business survive the pandemic.
Dr Bill Harrison has warned Aberdeen City Council that granting permission would “set a dreadful precedent” for private firms using public space.
He added: “The marquee was granted temporary planning permission in the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic and was never intended to be a permanent feature.”
Grant Bjorkelund accused No 10 of “destroying the area”, and suggested the car park to the back of the premises be used instead.
Queens Cross and Harlaw Community Council objected “to the loss of open green space to the public, even if temporarily”.
And Aberdeen Civic Society said: “If the council is willing to grant the application there needs to be a date on which the structure is removed and the ground returned to public amenity land.”
With the firm insisting the marquee has been vital to its success, the local authority will now decide whether to allow its return.
One resident told the P&J: “It looks such a state now they would be as well putting it back.”
Albyn Bar seeks permission for outdoor area in time for summer
Nearby, The Albyn is also asking for the council to endorse plans for an outdoor area.
The news the restaurant is coming back was greeted with joy late last year.
And now bosses are planning to create a “garden terrace” with a gazebo and covered serving counter on Albyn Place.
Blueprints sent to the council reveal how it would be filled with planters and dozens of seats arranged for parties of various sizes.
Fyvie steading conversion – with fountain
Finally, a look at plans for a rather plush new home in the scenic north-east countryside.
Mr and Mrs Sukhvinder Kalar want to transform an old steading at Milton of Gight, which has lain unused for 20 years.
Architect James G Ironside says the site is “of a good size”, and would “easily accommodate the proposed conversion”.
There will also be a detached double garage with guest accommodation above.
Floor plans show how the west side of the H-shaped building would have a “leisure area” and cinema room along with a “library area” and living room.
In the middle section, there would be a large family area, guest bedroom and bathroom.
On the other side of the building, there would be a kitchen and dining area, and more family space.
On the first floor, there would be four bedrooms – two with their own walk-in wardrobes and each with an en suite bathroom.
And at the front, two home offices would be created.
Feel like supporting any of the plans, using your right to object… Or do you just fancy a look? Follow these links:
Aberdeen kickboxing centre, and approved dance academy plans
Inverurie golf practice shelter
