One dwellinghouse at Plot 4 Backhill Of Mintlaw, Peterhead

What was proposed

The application sought permission for a two-level dwellinghouse with an integrated garage, landscaping, a southern access and private drainage.

“This application seeks full planning permission for the erection of a dwellinghouse at Plot 4, Backhill of Mintlaw, Peterhead.”

“The proposal is to erect a dwelling with accommodation over two levels, that incorporates a T-shaped footprint, and includes an integrated garage. The property would be 13.3 metres in length and 13 metres wide, with a height to the eaves of 3.8 metres and a ridge height of 7.4 metres approximately. Access will be from the south of the site which connects onto the existing access road. The proposed landscaping includes areas of grassed lawn and wildflower planting.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site lies northeast of Mintlaw, among existing and planned dwellings, open farmland and the remains of demolished agricultural buildings.

“The site is located within the Accessible Rural Area as defined in the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023 and the SG Urban Rural Classification (2020). The site is situated some 250 metres northeast of Mintlaw.”

“The site and the wider site previously had agricultural buildings which have since been demolished and removed from site, prior to the submission of this application. To the south of the site is an outbuilding and a dwelling called ‘Backhill’, to the southeast is a dwelling called ‘The Bungalow’.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

An earlier permission in principle for a dwelling expired in June 2025, while permissions for other nearby plots had been approved.

“APP/2022/0793 Planning Permission in Principle for the erection of dwellinghouse. Approved June 2022. Planning Permission in Principle expired 9 June 2025.”

“APP/2025/1519 (Plot 1) Full Planning Permission for the erection of dwellinghouse. Approved January 2026.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the site had naturalised, prime agricultural land was not justified, obligations were unresolved and the proposed quoins were unsuitable.

“The principle of development is in conflict with Policy R2 Development Proposals Elsewhere in the Countryside of ALDP 2023, and Policy 17 Rural homes of NPF4 as the proposed site has started to naturalise and as such is not the reuse of a brownfield site where a return to a natural state has not or will not happen without intervention.”

“The application has failed to demonstrate that the area of prime agricultural land is of a lesser quality and is in conflict with Policy PR1 of ALDP 2023 and Policy 5 of NPF4. .”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Roads raised no objection subject to conditions, Scottish Water raised no objection, flood officers had no comment and developer obligations remained unresolved.

“Environment and Infrastructure Services (Roads Development) Have reviewed the proposal and have no objections subject to conditions.”

“Scottish Water No objections. The proposal will be served via the Turriff Water Treatment Works. However, further investigations may be required to be carried out once a formal application has been submitted to Scottish Water There is no wastewater infrastructure within the vicinity of the site, and as such private solutions should be investigated.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the Senior Planning Officer and the agent, whose request to address members had been unanimously accepted.

Members’ reasons

Members considered the site previously developed and brownfield, accepted the design and sustainability arguments, and gave weight to the earlier planning history.

“(a) Policy 9 – this site is not undeveloped countryside, it contains existing concrete foundations, there is clear evidence of previous development and should be regarded as previously developed or brownfield land…”

“(e) Finally, weight should also be attached to the planning history of the site which demonstrates that the principle of development has previously been accepted…”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee unanimously delegated authority to grant full planning permission, subject to agreement on developer obligations and relevant planning conditions.

“(1) that authority to Grant Full Planning Permission be delegated to the Head of Planning and Economy subject to -”

“(a) the agreement to secure Developer Obligations, and…”

Minutes