Stonehaven Conservation Area Review

Stonehaven Conservation Area is currently under review by Aberdeenshire Council’s Historic Environment Team. The purpose of the review is to ensure the designation remains relevant and that the boundary of the conservation area is still appropriate.

As part of the review process, we have prepared the following documents:

• Conservation Area Appraisal – this document provides a full review of the settlement, identifying the special characteristics of its history, development, architecture, open space, landscape, and appearance. It is used to assess whether the settlement has a special character and whether it is worthy of conservation area status.

• Conservation Area Management Plan – this document is designed to provide guidance on what living in a conservation area means, what planning permissions are required, along with advice on how best to make changes to your property, pointing to additional guidance where relevant.

As part of this review, we are proposing to split the existing Stonehaven Conservation Area into two:

• Stonehaven Old Town Conservation Area – encompassing the harbour area, with its more informal street pattern and extending along the High Street towards the Carron Water.

• Stonehaven New Town Conservation Area – encompassing the planned town, with the Market Square at its centre.

The proposed boundaries for the two conservation areas are shown below on separate maps and outlined in green. The existing conservation area boundary has largely been retained and divided into two. For the proposed New Town boundary, in addition to the areas around Fetteresso Terrace and Westfield Avenue (already excluded from the existing boundary), it is proposed to remove part of Gurney Street, Stonehaven Medical Centre, and sections of Arduthie Street, Evan Street, and King’s Road. These areas either comprise modern development, traditional buildings with significant modern alterations, or do not contribute significantly to the special character of the conservation area.

We are seeking views on these proposals from residents, property owners and interested parties and welcome any comments or suggestions through the survey below. Four documents are associated with the review and can be viewed via the ‘Important Links’ tab to the right of this page. Please note, you do not have to read the documents to respond to the consultation.

As part of the review, we have organised a ‘History of a House’ event in collaboration with the Local Studies Team. Two sessions will be held on 15th June 2026 at Stonehaven Library at 2pm and 6pm, offering guidance on how to research the history of your home. The sessions are free, however booking is required. Further information regarding this event and how to book a place can be found via the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ydfx5nrb