175 homes and infrastructure at Kirkton Heights Phase 2 Development, Fraserburgh

What was proposed

The application sought permission for 175 homes, affordable housing, infrastructure and open space on a 14.61-hectare site.

“Full Planning Permission For Erection of 175 Dwellinghouses and Associated Infrastructure at Kirkton Heights Phase 2 Development, Boothby Road, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire…”

“This is an application for full planning permission for the erection of 175 houses (including a number of affordable units) and associated infrastructure together with areas of open space. The current application site extends to 14.61 hectares in area. The application comprises Phase 2 of the Kirkton site to the south of Boothby Road, Fraserburgh – Phase 1 having been completed.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site was farmland beside completed Phase 1 housing, Boothby Road, existing farmland and the former Tyronhill Farm.

“The site at present comprises gently undulating farmland with an overall fall in levels from north west to south east. It is bounded to the west by the recently completed Phase 1 development and the Cairns of Pitblae farmhouse. To the north lies Boothby Road, and to the east and south by further existing farmland. At the south-western extreme of the site, it wraps around the northern side of the former Tyronhill Farm and steadings.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and plans

An earlier Phase 2 application was refused because a legal agreement could not be concluded, while the current proposal includes affordable homes.

“APP/2016/0618: Full Planning Permission for the erection of 120 houses, landscaping and infrastructure, and land for the development of affordable housing. This application was considered at the Banff and Buchan Area Committee on 14th June 2016 and the decision issued on 14th December 2016 following the conclusion of a legal agreement.”

“APP/2021/0329: Full Planning Permission for the erection of 130 houses with associated infrastructure and open space, and an area to be provided as serviced land for the future delivery of the affordable housing requirement.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

consultees raised no objections overall, while housing, roads, healthcare and developer-obligation matters required arrangements or conditions.

“Environment and Infrastructure Services (Housing Strategy Team) initially provided comments with regard to wheelchair accessibility in some of the affordable housing units. This resulted in amendments to three of the proposed affordable house types, but with no change to the footprint area or amended height of the units concerned.”

“Legal and People, Business Services (Developer Obligations) has commented that developer obligations have been agreed towards the provision of affordable housing, sport and recreation facilities, healthcare, and waste recycling. A S75 agreement will be required to ensure delivery.”

Officer report

Public comments

No valid letters of representation were received.

“No valid letters of representation have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planner outlined the proposal, and the applicant’s agent spoke with a technical director available to answer questions.

Members’ discussion

Members welcomed the affordable housing, its early delivery, improved public transport access and the anticipated early completion.

“Members welcomed the Affordable Housing element of the development, noting that its early delivery was particularly important given the need for additional affordable housing in Fraserburgh. Members also welcomed the relocation of the site to…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Members agreed to delegate authority to grant full planning permission, subject to a legal agreement and the listed conditions.

“Following discussion members confirmed they had sufficient information to determine the application and agreed that authority to grant full planning permission be delegated to the Head of Planning and Economy subject to the conclusion of a satisfactory legal agreement with the developer in order to secure the delivery of affordable housing land and contributions towards sport, recreation and healthcare facilities; and the following conditions: 1.”

Minutes