What you told us - What we're doing

What you told us

The Draft Housing Land Audit 2026 was published for consultation in July 2026 for a period of six weeks. This is an annual consultation to engage with stakeholders to update the status of all sites available for housebuilding across Aberdeenshire.

Responses to the consultation were received from a range of developers, agents and key agencies. This included comments on around 77 individual sites within the audit, covering issues such as expected programming, possible constraints, and queries relating to infrastructure provision, ownership and marketability.

We we’re doing

Amendments were made to sites across the area in response to comments received and a meeting was held with stakeholders in September 2026 to discuss outstanding issues. The final Housing Land Audit 2026 report will be published towards the end of 2026 on our website: Housing market statistics - Aberdeenshire Council

What you told us

The survey for the Stonehaven, Mearns and North Angus Connectivity Study ran from 13 July to 16 August 2026 and received 242 responses, mostly from people living in the study area. It asked how people travel for work, school and leisure, and what makes sustainable travel difficult. The findings will help identify ways to improve access to services and opportunities by sustainable transport.

The survey highlighted a strong reliance on the car, particularly for work and leisure journeys. Respondents consistently identified a lack of alternatives, journey times and reliability as key factors influencing how they travel for work, school and leisure. Almost half of respondents said they would like to travel to places more often but are currently unable to do so, indicating a desire for better connectivity both within the study area and to destinations further afield.

There was also a clear level of recognition of the different travel experiences represented through the study's personas, with the majority of respondents agreeing that these reflected people living in the area.

The study is progressing, and the findings and feedback received through the survey, including written comments, are helping to inform the next stages of the work and the development of potential interventions. A further update will be provided when the study is published.

What we're doing

The feedback received through the public consultation and wider stakeholder engagement is being used to inform the next stages of the Laurencekirk and Mearns Area Wider Connectivity Measures study.

The study is looking at how connectivity across the area could be improved, with a particular focus on opportunities that do not rely on car-based travel. A range of potential transport, access and service delivery interventions has been developed, drawing on the evidence gathered through the study as well as feedback from communities and stakeholders.

The suggested improvements are now being assessed against the study objectives, different user needs and practical considerations. This will help identify which measures could have the greatest impact on connectivity across the area.

The next stage will use this assessment to develop a prioritised Action Plan and Delivery Roadmap. These will provide an evidence base to help guide future investment decisions, business cases and funding applications for connectivity improvements across the study area.

What you told us

During July and August 2026, we consulted on the detailed policy framework for Council Tax long-term empty properties and second homes. We sought views on the proposed exemptions, deferments and discretionary arrangements that would apply when implementing the premium.

We would like to thank everyone who took part. We received 582 responses through the online survey, together with feedback submitted directly by Council Tax payers.

Responses showed strong support for the proposed exemptions and deferments, with support ranging from 74.8% to 89.7% across all proposals. However, free-text comments highlighted concerns about fairness, individual circumstances, impacts on rural and coastal communities, inherited properties, caring responsibilities, health issues, renovation projects, and potential unintended consequences.

The consultation demonstrated majority support for every proposal:

• 74.8% supported a deferment where owners are actively bringing long-term empty properties back into use.

• 85.9% supported a deferment for inherited second homes.

• 83.7% supported the use of discretion in exceptional circumstances.

• 89.7% supported an exemption for military personnel required to live elsewhere.

• 84.9% supported an exemption for healthcare professionals required to live elsewhere.

• 84.2% supported an exemption for work-related circumstances.

A recurring theme was that the circumstances surrounding second homes and empty properties vary considerably and cannot always be addressed through a standard approach. Many respondents called for greater flexibility and discretion to reflect individual situations.

Concerns were also raised about the impact on coastal and conservation communities, including Crovie, Pennan, Gardenstown, Sandend, Seatown, Collieston and Braemar. Respondents highlighted different local housing markets, the cost of maintaining older properties and the contribution that second-home owners make to local communities and businesses.

Inherited properties generated particularly strong feedback. Common concerns included probate and estate administration delays, repair costs, emotional attachment to family homes and financial pressures during bereavement. Many respondents requested longer deferment periods. Officers note that liability often remains with the deceased's estate until confirmation and administration processes have been completed, which may delay the point at which a premium becomes payable.

Responses also focused on renovation and restoration projects. Respondents expressed concern that increased Council Tax charges could limit funds available for repairs or discourage investment in properties requiring significant work before they become habitable. Planning delays, building warrant delays, contractor shortages and rising construction costs were frequently cited. Officers consider that most of these circumstances are already addressed through existing legislation and the proposed extension of deferment arrangements from 12 to 24 months where owners are actively bringing a property back into use.

Further responses highlighted caring responsibilities, health conditions, disability, hospital admissions, and wider vulnerability. Respondents described circumstances such as caring for elderly relatives, supporting family members with dementia, childcare responsibilities and assisting disabled family members. Officers note that many situations involving disability, long-term illness and vulnerability are already covered by separate statutory Council Tax exemptions and reductions.

Finally, respondents questioned whether the policy would achieve its intended aims. There were concerns that higher premiums may not increase the supply of permanent housing and could instead have unintended consequences for individuals, communities, and local economies.

What we're doing

The policy is expected to affect around 2,555 properties across Aberdeenshire, comprising around 995 second homes and 1,560 long-term empty properties. This represents around 2% of the approximately 125,000 properties liable for Council Tax.

Consultation feedback was shared with Elected Members and the Council’s Senior Leadership Team. Having considered all feedback received, the consultation did not identify any significant new category of exemption that is not already addressed through the policy, existing legislation or separate statutory Council Tax exemptions and reductions. However, respondents clearly emphasised the importance of ensuring that genuine hardship, exceptional circumstances, and unusual cases are treated fairly and consistently.

The policy was approved by the Business Services Committee on 17 September 2026, and the changes took effect from 1 September 2026.

We are contacting all affected customers to explain the changes, outline the discretionary arrangements available under the policy, and provide information on how to apply for a reduction in the 200% premium where appropriate.

What you told us

The Share Space project was introduced as a trial to make selected rural roads more welcoming for people walking, cycling, wheeling and horse riding, while encouraging all road users to share the space safely. The survey asked for feedback on the trial and its signage to help us understand its impact and inform what happens next.

Overall, you were very supportive of the Share Space project and its aim of making rural roads safer and more welcoming for everyone, while encouraging walking, cycling, wheeling and horse riding.

Most respondents felt the project was useful and supported making it permanent, as well as introducing similar schemes elsewhere in Aberdeenshire.

Feedback on the signs was also generally positive. Most respondents felt they clearly communicated the intended message, were an appropriate size and appeared often enough along the routes. Many drivers told us the signs had influenced how they drive. However, people using the routes in other ways had generally not noticed a significant change in driver behaviour.

You also told us that awareness of the project could be improved. Most respondents had not heard about the project or the new signs before taking part in the survey, and awareness of the individual routes was generally limited, with the Polinar Dam route in Inverurie being the best known. Respondents were also unsure whether the signs gave people walking, cycling, wheeling or horse riding greater confidence to use the road space.

What we’re doing

Your feedback suggests there is strong support for the Share Space approach, while also highlighting areas where more work could be done.

We’ll use the findings to consider how awareness of the project and its signage can be improved, including through communications and engagement with local communities. Further monitoring will also help us understand whether changes in driver behaviour become more noticeable to other road users.

The findings will help inform decisions about the future of the existing trial and whether similar approaches could be considered for other suitable rural routes across Aberdeenshire.

What you told us

The initial trade consultation ran from 2 March to 2 April 2026. Its purpose was to inform the fare scale proposed for public consultation.

Trade feedback

• Participation:

• 35 responses were received, representing 2.3% of the trade

• Support for Change:

• 48.6% wanted no change; 37.1% wanted change; and 14.3% were unclear.
• Support for change was highest for standard, late-night and festive rates, at 37.9% each
• Suggested increases ranged from 6.0% to 73.9%, mainly due to increased operating costs
• Of those seeking change, 58.4% said removing December weekends from the festive rate would have a critical impact, while 33.5% said it would have a positive impact

• Trading and Practicalities of the Scale:

• 51.4% described trade as poor; 42.0% described it as okay
• 51.4% stated that they always charged the full metered fare
• 88.6% stated that unrounded charges did not cause them an issue when it came to calibrating their meter
• 62.9% stated that unrounded charges caused them no issue when it came to the need to carry change

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered the trade feedback on 1 May 2026 and agreed to consult publicly on a proposed scale with no fare increase subject to further views being taken on the period to be covered by the festive season rate.

Public consultation

Public consultation ran from 22 May to 22 June 2026. Views were invited from the public and the trade to help fix the final fare scale, intended to take effect by the end of 2026.

Public and trade feedback

• Participation:

• 6 public responses were received
• 17 trade responses were received, representing 1.1% of the trade

• Support for Change:

• 50.0% of public respondents wanted change, mainly reductions
• 58.8% of trade respondents wanted change, mainly increases
• Combined consultation responses showed greatest support for changing standard charges, late-night charges and festive rates
• Trade respondents suggested increases of 10% to 19%, citing increased operating costs
• 62.5% of respondents, including all public respondents, wanted the festive rate period to remain unchanged
• Combined trade responses showed 52.4% felt removing December weekends from the festive rate would negatively affect their business
• 66.7% of public respondents said removing December weekends from the festive rate would not affect their taxi use

• Trading and Practicalities of the Trade:

• 50.0% of the trade who responded to the public consultation felt that trade was neutral under the current scale
• 25.0% felt that trade was good under the current scale
• 12.5% felt that trade was poor under the current scale
• 62.5% stated that they always charged the full metered fee allowed
• 100.0% confirmed that they accepted card payments – with 81.2% facing further charges when doings so
• 87.5% stated that unrounded charges did not cause them an issue when it came to calibrating their meter
• 68.8% stated that unrounded charges caused them no issue when it came to the need to carry change

What we're doing

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered the consultation responses received at their meeting on 28 August 2026, alongside the views which were expressed by a member of the trade at their meeting.

The Licensing Sub-Committee determined that a new scale should be fixed, incorporating a 5% increase on the previous charges with this taking effect from 1 November 2026, this being subject to any appeal lodged by the trade.

What you told us

As part of the Aberdeenshire Council Place Strategy, we are working with you to create Place Plans for each academy town and the surrounding area. Portlethen is the second of these for Kincardine and Mearns focussing on the Portlethen Academy school catchment area.

The Portlethen Area Place Planning Survey was open from the start of March to the end of May 2026, and we received over 240 responses from across the catchment area. We also held in-person engagement events in our communities to engage with groups who may be less likely or able to access the online survey. Pupils at Portlethen Academy and two Portlethen primary schools provided valuable insight into what matters to them about where they live.

Through our recent engagement activities, you have shared what’s important to help you live well in this area. The feedback highlighted both strengths and concerns which we have grouped into main themes. These can be found in Portlethen & District Partnership Place Plan: Place Plan at a Glance | Portlethen and District Partnership Place Plan | Engage Aberdeenshire

What we’re doing

We will examine each of the emerging themes in detail and ask you if we are missing anything. This will involve local groups, the existing community plans, and individuals, ensuring that the Partnership Place Plan for the Portlethen Academy catchment area is shaped by the community’s views and needs. We’ll continue to work closely with our partners in the NHS, Fire Service, Police Scotland, and community groups. If you’d like to be involved in the next stages, please contact us using the email address under ‘Who’s listening’ on the project page linked below. Thank you to everyone who has already expressed an interest.

Once the Place Plan is ready it will be shared with the Community and on the Council website.

You can view the original project here: Portlethen and District Partnership Place Plan | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Council is exploring a new walking and cycling path between Kennethmont and Ardmore, including a connection near Kennethmont School, to provide the local community with options for active travel. We asked for opinions from local families and residents about whether this could be helpful for everyday journeys, getting to school, or enjoying time outdoors safely.

Summary of the key findings

• 54 people responded to the survey
• 85.2% of respondents stated that the car is one of their main modes of transport
• 61.1% of people responded that if a route were provided here, they would travel more actively, other respondents were unsure (16.7%)
• 46.3% responded they would use the route at least 2-3 times a week, mostly by walking (68.5%) instead of cycling or other wheeling modes
• When asked what the main barriers people felt existed to active travel, 74.1% of responded stated the lack of safe routes was the reason. Weather, and lack of time were also stated as reasons
• 70.4% of people stated they felt investment into active travel links will help limit the impacts of climate change
• 81.5% of people agreed a link between Kennethmont and Ardmore would improve health
• 75.9% stated such a path would be appealing to use and 87% stated that a 3m width path would suit their needs. 53.7% agreed a drybound path finish was suitable, 35.2% supported a fully bound / overlain path, 11.1% were unsure
• 53.7% of people felt the proposed crossing was in a suitable place, with others (20.4%) stated it wasn’t or (25.9%) stating they were not sure.

What we're doing

The results from this survey will be taken into consideration within the proposed design for this route. The proposed crossing location is supported by Council safety policies and standards. The path finish will depend upon further maintenance discussions.

A traffic regulation order has been sent through committee to request a speed reduction for a small section of road west of Ardmore Cottages. This would allow the path to tie into the pavement along Ardmore Cottages. If this is successful, design and landownership discussions will continue to progress the path project.

What you told us

As part of the naming process, staff, families, pupils and the wider community were invited to vote on the proposed names for the new Early Learning and Childcare setting at the St Andrew’s School site in Fraserburgh.

The consultation generated strong engagement, with the 5 most popular names going to the Banff & Buchan Area Committee this morning for the final decision, with Fraserburgh Central ELC @ St Andrews receiving the highest level of support.

What we're doing

With the name now formally approved, it will be reflected in future communications, admissions information, signage and promotional materials as preparations continue for the opening of the new setting. The name recognises both the setting's central location within Fraserburgh and its close connection to the St Andrews campus and wider school community.

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership carried out a period of engagement on a proposal to move the Vaccination Clinic in Duff Street, Macduff to Chalmers Hospital in Banff. The reason for the proposal is that the building in Macduff is not in a suitable condition to deliver healthcare services long-term and would require substantial capital investment, but we do not have funding available for these works especially as there is a suitable alternative available at Chalmers Community Hospital. The proposed move allows us to ensure that the service can continue in a safe, efficient and sustainable way. A short survey was issued on the Engage Aberdeenshire website running from 13th May to 3rd June 2026. This was actively promoted across social media channels and including Community Councils and Elected Members to enable as wide a representation from across the communities affected to give their views on the proposed move.”

A total of 198 responses were received with residents covering a range of communities. The survey findings show that views were mixed. A significant proportion of respondents reported no impact, but a material minority identified that the proposal would have a substantial effect on them and/or their family. This is important context, as it indicates that while the proposal may be manageable for many service users, there are specific groups for whom the change could create additional barriers.

The most frequently raised issues related to parking and access at Chalmers Hospital, followed by concerns regarding increased travel time, transport difficulty and additional cost. Respondents also highlighted the potential for disproportionate impacts on older people, disabled people and carers, as well as concern about the loss of local access in Macduff. At the same time, some respondents recognised the benefits of providing the service from a single, more sustainable site. These findings have informed the Integrated Impact Assessments and the identification of mitigations to reduce negative impacts where possible.

What we’re doing

The Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership has considered the impacts and concerns raised through engagement. In particular, concerns regarding parking, additional travel time and transport issues will require clear communication to service users in advance of appointments, including information on transport options and local access arrangements. This information will be contained within the appointment letter. Patients will continue to have the option to reschedule appointments to a more suitable time or venue where this is clinically and operationally appropriate. The impact on groups where some people may be more likely to experience difficulty in accessing the relocated service, including older people, disabled people and carers, will continue to be monitored as part of implementation and ongoing service review. The move of the vaccination clinic from Macduff to Banff was agreed by the Integration Joint Board on 1st July 2026. Work is underway with the involvement of all local teams to ensure a smooth service transition which is scheduled for early Autumn.

What you told us

A total of 1,710 survey responses were received.

Overall, 1,194 respondents (70%) agreed that their home address is zoned to the appropriate secondary school. Common reasons included proximity to the school, established transport arrangements, community connections and continuity from the associated primary school.

The remaining 516 respondents (30%) felt that a different secondary school would be more suitable. The main reasons given were that another school was closer, easier to access, better reflected local community ties, or was within the same local authority area as their home address and primary school. Respondents also raised concerns about longer, less reliable travel routes and limited transport options.

Among respondents who disagreed with the current secondary school catchments, the highest proportion was families and residents from primary schools in the Inverurie Cluster, where 115 respondents (64%) felt their address should be in a different secondary school catchment area. The vast majority of these respondents are currently zoned to Dyce Academy, within Aberdeen City Council. This was followed by families and residents from primary schools in the Ellon Cluster, where 121 respondents (54%) expressed disagreement with the current secondary school zones. The vast majority of these respondents are currently zoned to Bridge of Don Academy, within Aberdeen City Council. In the Portlethen Cluster, 66 respondents (51%) disagreed with the current secondary school zones, with all indicating that their address should instead be zoned to Mackie Academy. In the Stonehaven Cluster, 50 respondents (40%) disagreed with the current catchment arrangements, with more than half indicating that their address should be zoned to Cults Academy. Together, these four clusters accounted for 352 of the 516 responses (68%), showing that concerns about the current secondary school catchments are concentrated in these areas.

When asked which factors were most important in choosing a secondary school, respondents most frequently selected educational provision and subject choice (650), followed by transition from the associated primary school (330). Other factors included the zoned secondary school (160), travel time and transport links (140), proximity to the school (139) and transport entitlement (122). Existing family or sibling attendance and community ties were selected less frequently.

What we are doing

This review forms part of the Learning Estates Strategy, which aims to support a sustainable school estate.

Reviews of several school clusters have identified inconsistencies between primary and secondary school catchment areas, as well as across the boundary between Aberdeenshire Council and Moray Council. Any proposals to address these issues will be developed and considered in accordance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.

The feedback received through this survey will help inform the ongoing review of school catchment areas and the development of any future proposals.