Retail park with drive-thru at Site At South Harbour Road, Fraserburgh

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered retail development and access roads, while later permissions concerned office, business and industrial uses.

“APP/2006/2480: Planning Permission in Principle (PPP) for Retail Development (Class 1) With Related Garden Centre, Hotel, Car Parking and Access. Granted following determination by Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC) and conclusion of a S75 agreement.”

“APP/2023/1879: Full Planning Permission for Office, Business Office/Light Industry and General Industry on land at South Harbour Road, Fraserburgh. Variation to layout and access position to application ref APP/2020/1852. Granted November 2023.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Council services and consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, including controls for contamination, parking, landscaping, biodiversity and the pillbox.

“Environment and Infrastructure Services (Archaeology) has no comment to make on the proposal and no conditions are recommended.”

“Environment and Infrastructure Services (Roads Development) initially had concerns about traffic flow within the site and close to the site access onto Cemetery Road. An amended drawing was submitted showing a slight revision to the traffic flow layout, and following review of this Roads Development does not object to the application, subject to a condition of consent relating to parking provision and informative notes. Although it has…”

Officer report

Public views

Thirty-three representations supported the development, while three objected over retail demand, town-centre effects, traffic, amenity, green space and visual impact.

“A total of 36 valid representations (33 support/3 objection) have been received as defined in the Scheme of Governance. All issues raised have been considered. The letters raise the following material issues:”

“Object • Can’t see the demand for more retail in Fraserburgh. • Town centre businesses need protecting. • The site is not appropriate. • There are other more suitable sites in the town. • The development takes away open green space. • Too close to the cemetery – disrespectful and will disturb those visiting the cemetery. • Adversely impacts on setting and amenity of the beach and dunes. • Access point is dangerous and immediately opposite the cemetery – further disruption.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planner reported the application, and the applicant and agent answered a question about road safety and possible crossing issues.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed cemetery parking, a possible crossing, access, landscape screening, pillbox screening, information boards and town-centre signage.

“During discussion, Members asked questions and received responses regarding the current informal parking area used by visitors to the cemetery, the potential inclusion of a pedestrian crossing within the application, access to SWFPA, and proposed landscape screening to mitigate the visual impact of buildings, the mesh screening of the pillbox and the provision of memorial information boards.”

“The Senior Planner confirmed that all matters raised, including landscaping and screening, the opportunity to review information boards prior to installation and town centre signage, would be delegated to the Planning Service. These matters would…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted full planning permission, delegated implementation to the Head of Planning and Economy, and imposed the listed conditions.

“Thereafter, the Committee agreed to grant Full Planning Permission delegated to the Head of Planning and Economy and subject to the following conditions:”

“In accordance with Section 58 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended) this planning permission will lapse on the expiration of a period of three years from the date of this decision notice, unless the development is begun within that period. Reason: Pursuant to Section 58 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended).”

Minutes