Two-storey house extension at South Manse, Panmure Gardens, Potterton

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Aberdeenshire Formartine Area Committee on 3 Mar 2026.

APP/2025/1534Approved

What was proposed

The application sought a two-storey eastern extension providing living space, a bedroom, office, kitchen, ensuite, entrance and integral garage.

“This application seeks full planning permission for an extension to the dwelling house at South Manse, Panmure Gardens, Potterton, which lies within the settlement boundary of Potterton.”

“The proposed development comprises a two-storey extension to the eastern side of the house. It will provide a bedroom with ensuite, a home office, living space, kitchen, integral garage, and a new entrance connecting to the main dwelling. The extension will measure approximately 7.48 metres in width…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a large garden beside open space, a converted former church and neighbouring homes, with access from Panmure Gardens.

“The site measures approximately 1,783 square metres and forms part of the domestic garden ground of South Manse. It is bounded to the south by Panmure Gardens, with public open space directly opposite. To the north, the site faces further open space, while to the east is the converted former church known as Auld Kirk, which sits forward of the existing house.”

“Access to the site is taken directly from Panmure Gardens, an unclassified road identified in the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023. The land slopes steeply from the west elevation towards the eastern boundary.”

Officer report

What officers advised

Officers recommended approval because the extension was appropriately scaled, used complementary materials and would not significantly harm neighbouring amenity or surrounding character.

“The proposal provides additional living space in a manner that respects the character of the existing dwelling and the amenity of neighbouring properties. The extension is appropriately scaled, uses complementary materials, and integrates well with the site. No significant issues have been identified in…”

“The development is considered to comply with NPF4 Policies 4, 6, 14 and 16, as well as Policies P1, P3, E1, PR1 and RD1 of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023. It is therefore acceptable in planning terms and is recommended for approval, subject to standard conditions.”

Officer report

What people said

Three objections concerned privacy, overlooking, overshadowing, scale, design, trees and overdevelopment; one representation supported efficient and flexible accommodation.

“The proposal makes efficient use of existing residential land. • It supports multigenerational living and flexible accommodation needs. • Modular design offers potential for high energy efficiency and reduced construction impact. • The annex should remain subordinate to the main dwelling and not capable of independent occupation, safeguarding the character of the area.”

“Loss of privacy and overlooking from elevated windows and a Juliette balcony. • Overbearing impact and overshadowing of neighbouring properties. • Loss of daylight and sunlight to adjacent dwellings. • Scale, height, and massing considered excessive and not in keeping with the character of the area. • Design and appearance viewed as incongruous with the historic setting. • Potential impact on mature trees and need for tree protection measures.”

Officer report

What members discussed

Councillors discussed balconies, materials, windows, height, neighbouring distances, screening, tree removal, opaque glazing and the office window.

“During discussion, the Councillors sought clarity on the proposed balconies, noting that they were doors with balustrades, rather than the type of balcony that you can step out onto, with one being in the storage space above the garage; confirmed that the granite to be used would match the original granite, with the materials from the demolished garage to be repurposed; noted that the windows would be of a similar design; queried the height of the proposed extension, noting…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted full planning permission after debate, subject to opaque stairwell glazing and conditions controlling commencement, annex use and tree protection.

“Following a full debate, the Committee agreed to grant Full Planning Permission, subject to a condition that the windows at the stairwell be fitted with opaque glazing, and the following conditions:”

“Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, the tree protection measures specified in the Tree Survey Report and Arboricultural Method Statement (Reference: SMP2512TR, dated 10 December 2025) and shown on the Tree Protection Plan (SMP2512TP) shall be installed in full and retained for the duration of all construction works.”

Minutes

Sources

  • Aberdeenshire Formartine Area Committee minutes, 3 March 2026
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Aberdeenshire's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Date
Tuesday 3 March 2026
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)
Application
The application (council website)