179-space car park and footpath at Land At Trump International Golf Course, Balmedie

What was proposed

The application proposed 179 additional parking spaces, including six disabled bays, an asphalt surface, bunding, lighting, drainage and a new footpath.

“The proposal is to extend the parking facility with an additional 179 spaces which include 6 disabled bays to the north of the existing car park. The additional parking will connect into the existing road network. The proposed…”

Officer report

The site

The site is north of the existing car park at a golf resort 3.5 kilometres north of Balmedie, within an accessible rural area.

“The site relates to a golfing resort comprising two 18 hole golf courses, clubhouse, hotel and associated golfing facilities which is situated 3.5km north of the settlement of Balmedie. The application site sits within the accessible rural area as defined by the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023 (LDP). There is also a proportion of the site designated as an area of protected land, known as P6 within the Balmedie settlement statement.”

“The current site sits directly north of the existing car park that serves club house and shop. The site is accessed via existing access road which joins the B977 to the west. The site had been an area of partial hardstanding which contained a storage facility, an area of rough ground with gorse and a short game area. The short game area is to be relocated and is the subject of a current live planning application.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Archaeology, environmental health, flood risk, roads and Scottish Water raised no objection to the amended proposal, while Natural Heritage sought biodiversity conditions.

“Environment and Infrastructure Services (Environmental Health) initially objected to this application requesting further information on noise and external lighting. However, this response was based upon the original application and not the amended proposal.”

“Environment and Sustainability Services (Natural Heritage) have stated that biodiversity compensation and enhancement measures will be required. While a tree survey was initially sought, t, the loss of trees only related to the location of the cart storage shed which is no longer part of this application. A condition relating to Biodiversity enhancement should be applied.”

Officer report

Objections received

Three objections were received, concerning light pollution affecting wildlife and local amenity, and increased traffic noise.

“A total of 3 valid representations (0 support/3 objection) had been received as defined in the Scheme of Governance. All issues raised have been considered. As the application has been amended to remove the Cart Storage building from this application, any representation to the Cart Storage Building have not been taken into account. . Therefore, the representations raised to the proposed car park and foot path are as follows:”

“Light pollution from car park, effect on wildlife and local amenity • Increase of traffic noise…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planner introduced the application; two representatives spoke for the applicant and one objector also addressed the committee.

The vote

The committee rejected a motion for delegated approval with extra conditions by five votes to six and approved the amendment for approval as recommended.

“Following debate, Councillor Johnston, seconded by Councillor Nicol, moved that authority to grant Full Planning Permission be delegated to the Head of Planning and Economy, subject to the conditions detailed within the report, and additional conditions including that to consider the scheduling of lighting to switch off at midnight; restrictions on working hours of construction; and restrictions on the movement of construction traffic, on the grounds of protecting the…”

“Councillor Davidson, seconded by Councillor Owen, moved an amendment that the application be approved as per the recommendations within the report.”

Minutes

The decision

Full planning permission was granted subject to conditions covering commencement, biodiversity enhancement, drainage, and protection plans for badgers, bats and birds.

“Therefore, the Committee agreed to grant Full Planning Permission, subject to the following conditions:”

“No works in connection with the development hereby approved shall commence unless a Biodiversity Enhancement Plan (or similar relevant landscape or ecological enhancement document) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. This plan shall include but not be limited to the following measures:”

Minutes