A long day at Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee today. Here is a snapshot:

–          A grant of £37,333 was agreed for the new Kincardineshire Development Partnership. It should be a key partner in developing our local economy, steering community capacity building (i.e. helping people help themselves), and community planning. There is an increasing need for such partnerships as council face heavy demands on the public purse.

–          The community asset transfer of the Bourtree Bowling Club building in Portlethen from the council was finally agreed.

–          Councillors discussed the outcome of Stewart Milne’s appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a further 190 to 260 houses at Hillside. The firm’s appeal to the Scottish Government was turned down, though the council have to pay a contribution towards the appeal costs. Councillors had been very concerned about the impact on local schools.

–          Approval was given for 49 houses (including 12 affordable homes) just west of the A90 at Fetteresso, Stonehaven. A number of residents had objected to the houses, but the area is zoned for housing. It is just north of the garden centre there.

–          Planning permission in principle was granted for a park and ride north west of the Findon underpass on the A90 (opposite the Marywell caravan park). Aberdeenshire Council proposes building parking for 1000 cars, bikes and lorries, and a waiting room. There had been only one objection – from Stewart Milne – but it was later withdrawn.

–          An application for planning permission in principle for 44 serviced apartments and three retail units at Marywell was approved unanimously by councillors. The application was given a delegated grant, which means there are still some issues to be resolved.