What you told us - What we're doing

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Council published the Draft Development Plan Scheme (DPS) 2025–2026 to gather feedback from the public, community councils, and development professionals. The aim was to check if the proposed processes and timeline for preparing the next Local Development Plan (LDP) were clear and appropriate, and to understand how people wanted and could be involved. The consultation ran from 10 February to 24 March 2025 and was promoted through various channels including newsletters, social media, and direct invitations.

Only eight people responded to the consultation, despite a good number of visits to the online hub. Here’s what they said:

• Clarity of the document: Most people found the document clear and easy to understand. One person thought the font and illustrations were hard to read, and another found the timetable confusing.
• Timetable and terminology: Some feedback suggested that using “quarters” to describe time was unclear and that acronyms like “SEA” and “DPMTAG” should be explained better. There was also a suggestion to use months or seasons instead.
• Engagement methods: Most respondents were happy with the proposed ways to engage at each stage. However, one person raised concerns about relying too much on digital engagement, which might exclude some groups, especially young people and those less digitally connected.
• Call for Ideas: Some people wanted more clarity on what 'community ideas' meant and who could submit them. There were also suggestions to extend the time allowed for submitting ideas, especially from developers.
• Local Place Plans: One person found this part unclear but didn’t explain why.
• General comments: One person felt the process was too long and hard to follow. Homes for Scotland supported the inclusion of the Call for Ideas and asked for more in-person engagement and a clear method for assessing development sites.

What we're doing

• The Council reviewed all feedback and decided that no major changes were needed to the Draft DPS.
• Accessibility features like 'Read Out Loud' and the ability to enlarge PDFs are already in place. Large print versions can be provided on request.
• The Council clarified that the use of 'quarters' follows national planning regulations and that acronyms are explained when first used.
• The Call for Ideas will be open for at least 16 weeks starting in summer 2025, and more details will be shared in due course.
• The Council is committed to using both digital and non-digital engagement methods and will continue to involve young people.
• A draft site selection methodology was already consulted on earlier in 2025 and is being refined based on feedback.
• The Council will continue to engage with developers and other stakeholders, including through meetings and information sharing.

You can view the original project here: Development Plan Scheme 2025 | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

We asked for feedback on playparks across Aberdeenshire. The purpose of this exercise was to understand how you feel about your local playground and what changes, if any, you would like to see. We received 837 responses in total (equivalent survey 3 years ago received 479 responses).

Responses by area were:

• Banff and Buchan: 44
• Buchan: 76
• Formartine: 127
• Garioch: 208
• Kincardine & Mearns: 285
• Marr: 97

Key findings from the survey include:

49% of respondents preferred that play park management remains unchanged, with parks being improved as budget permits. The next most popular option, chosen by 41%, was for local communities to become more involved.

61% felt existing playparks didn’t cater enough for children of all abilities and the same percentage wanted more use of natural play equipment.

A small majority (53%) wanted more seating in play parks but most (63%) felt that they were secure with adequate fencing provided where appropriate.

A small majority (52%) of respondents indicated that there was not enough provision for adult outdoor exercise, including trim trails.

What we're doing

We undertake regular safety inspections on all our play equipment, which allows us to prioritise how we allocate our resources. When we have available resources to replace or improve play park infrastructure, we will engage with communities using Engage Aberdeenshire, our online engagement platform and listen to requests from the community. We encourage and value community feedback.

As we review and improve our play equipment, we have increased the number of inclusive play equipment across Aberdeenshire in recent years. We will continue to review our infrastructure where resources allow.

Unfortunately, in some locations seating has been removed due to antisocial behaviour. The seating attracted groups of non-playpark users as an area to gather. Relocation to another area within the park means that the play area is safer for children to use. We will continue to review the situation in affected areas.

We are keen to support outdoor exercise and, where resources permit, we may consider the installation of trim trails. As with any community request for additional play equipment, we are available to assist communities in seeking funding not available to the council for the creation of these areas. For further discussion, please contact us by emailing: operations@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Your email will be forwarded to the Landscape Services Officer for your area.

You can view the original project here: Playground Survey 2025 | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

We received a significant number of thoughtful comments, reflecting a wide range of views on the initiative.

The overall response showed a fairly balanced split between those who support and those who do not support each of the sites. Many comments recognised the importance of supporting wildlife and biodiversity - particularly pollinators - and acknowledged the potential benefits of this approach when applied carefully and in the right locations.

At the same time, residents clearly expressed that these areas must be managed responsibly and sited appropriately. Concerns were raised around tidiness, increased dog fouling, safety for children, and the general appearance of long grass.

What we're doing

Following a full review of all comments received, we have made the following decisions:

• Most proposed sites will go ahead, as they are lower-impact areas with minimal disruption to public use.
• Sites where clear issues were raised have been excluded or adjusted.
• Paths and edges will be kept tidy to ensure good visibility, safe access, and a well-kept appearance.
• All sites will be monitored closely throughout the season.
• New site suggestions will be reviewed for inclusion in 2026.

Our goal is to strike the right balance between supporting nature and keeping public spaces safe and welcoming.

View updated maps here:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1hrK3vVA-d3hT-Hs5rjESzduVNxrC1Bg&ll=57.26670238090054%2C-2.5954762999999943&z=8

Thank you for helping us shape this initiative! You can view the original project here: No Mow Meadows | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Council Trading Standards requested feedback from consumers on what they consider to be important when buying a new or second hand car, and their knowledge of the ‘Expensive Car Supplement’ (ECS). The survey was shared with Aberdeenshire Council employees and the general public, receiving a total of 290 responses.

Unsurprisingly, price emerged as the most significant factor when purchasing a car. Although running costs, such as road tax and ULEZ compliance, are lower on the list of priorities, they remain important considerations. Service history was also listed as important information.

Only 33% were aware of the ECS tax, and 60% said it would influence their decision to proceed with the transaction. Twelve people reported they had been caught by this tax before.

Most people in the survey suggested that there is a joint responsibility for the car dealer to provide information on Ultra Low Emissions Zones (ULEZ) compliance and the ECS, however consumers should also do their own research.

What we’re doing

Trading Standards have engaged with Aberdeenshire car dealers to ensure online adverts contain all necessary information, including ULEZ and ECS details, and to provide compliance advice regarding Trading Standard legislation, especially regarding advert content accuracy and completeness.

Car dealers will continue to be routinely monitored.

You can view the original project here: Trading Standards Car Project 2025 | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

We asked for feedback on potential food growing sites in Banff, Fraserburgh, and Sandhaven. You shared interest in options like community gardens, individual plots, orchards, beekeeping, workshops, and biodiversity improvements.

In Banff, 28 responses were received and all were largely positive, with interest in a community growing project for all three sites, especially spaces for families and community use.

In Fraserburgh, 30 responses were received, and while many supported the idea of community growing spaces, there was some opposition to the two proposed sites. Privacy, parking, and accessibility were common concerns, particularly at Kennedy Place. Two responses were received for Caird Place, Sandhaven, showing both support and opposition for community growing there. No local groups were identified to lead projects in any location.

What we're doing

We shared survey findings with Elected Members.

We will contact interested individuals to share more information and connect them with existing food growing projects in all three areas. In Banff, we plan to choose one site for further community engagement to explore potential for a new community growing project. In Fraserburgh and Sandhaven, the efforts will focus on growing existing projects.

To view the original project page, click here: Banff and Buchan Food Growing Sites | Engage Aberdeenshire

We asked

Aberdeenshire Council needs to develop its next set of Equality Outcomes, along with the Bi-annual Equality Mainstreaming report. We examined changes over the past four years and asked what the current equalities challenges are in Aberdeenshire to help develop our next set of Equality Outcomes for 2025 to 2029. We engaged with many stakeholders in order to capture the widest and most representative sample of the main equality issues in Aberdeenshire.

You said

The survey was open to all residents and staff of Aberdeenshire Council, with in-person focus groups held with children and young people, and lived experience. This allowed us to capture what were the main issues were across Aberdeenshire. The feedback we received had similar themes which were:

• Accessibility
• Building capability
• Community Safety
• Children and Young People reaching full potential

We will

The feedback has been shared with the six Area Committees, Education and Children Services Committee as well as the Licensing Board. The feedback from the committees has been included in the main report which is going to Full Council for approval.

Once approved by Full Council, Officers will begin implementing the actions to achieve the identified Equality Outcomes.

We Asked

Aberdeenshire Council sought input from the local community to select new play equipment for three play parks within Kincardine & Mearns: The Queen Elizabeth and Hamish Park in Stonehaven and Memorial Park in Laurencekirk. As some of the popular pieces are nearing the end of their serviceable life, we aim to replace them with items that cater to a similar age range and offer equal or greater play value. The funds for this project, £145,000, will come solely from the Scottish Government Play Park Renewal Fund.

You Said

Submissions from four different suppliers were put forward: Hags, Kompan, Jupiter Play, and Sutcliffe Play. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed and voted. Thanks to your support, Hags obtained just under 49% of the total vote, receiving more than twice as many votes as the second-placed competitor.

Example of winning design:

We Will

Aberdeenshire Council's Landscape Services have formally issued a purchase order to Hags, signifying a major advancement in the enhancement of three local recreational areas. Installation dates for 2025 are currently being scheduled, and we are confident that the local communities are looking forward to enjoying the upgraded play facilities.

We asked

The Laurencekirk Memorial Park Group submitted an Asset Transfer request for a 50-year lease of the former Waste Depot on Johnston Street, Laurencekirk. The proposal involves using the building mainly for storage of the hanging baskets and Christmas lights which are displayed around Laurencekirk. Longer term it is hoped to create a community hub/workshop where members of the community can come together to undertake small projects for the community.

You said

A total of 122 representations were received with 117 supporting the request and 5 objecting. Some of the issues highlighted in the objections related to concerns over noise levels, an increase in traffic and access rights across the car park.

The Council was able to confirm that rights of access would require to be honoured through any transfer of title including the legal servitude rights of access for neighbouring properties. The current use of the building is Class 5 – General Industrial use and the community group would require to apply for a change of use to Class 10 – Non Residential Institutions.

This change will ensure that matters relating to a potential increase in traffic or noise impacts for neighbouring properties will be considered by the Planning Service before permission is granted for any future use of the building and the local community will have a further opportunity to make representation. The Asset Transfer process and the Planning process are completely independent quasi-judicial procedures and must be applied for and determined separately.

All of the documents relating to the Asset Transfer request and public comments can be viewed on the Council’s website - Asset Transfer - former Waste Depot on Johnston Street, Laurencekirk - Aberdeenshire Council.

We will

The Asset Transfer request was considered at the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee on 10 December 2024. Officers recommended reducing the period of the lease to 25 year given the age of the building and charging an annual rent of £250.

The Committee agreed in principle to the proposal but requested that the lease be increased to 30 years to ensure there was no impediment to obtaining grant funding. This change to the Officer recommendation triggered a requirement for the amendment to be approved by a Policy Committee, in line with the Council’s Governance Procedures.

A report was subsequently presented to the Business Services Committee on 6 March 2025 where the proposed lease of 30 years duration was approved. The Council will now conclude the lease with the Memorial Park Group.

We asked

The Peterhead Town Board, as part of the UK government's Long-Term Plan for Towns programme, aimed to carry out an initial phase of community engagement to achieve the following objectives:

• Gather community input on the prioritisation of planned interventions.
• Raise awareness about the Town Board and its decision-making role.
• Inform the community about the programme’s key themes and timelines.
• Ensure the Board is informed about ongoing projects and local organisations.

Aberdeenshire Council were tasked with supporting the Town Board by developing and distributing a survey, planning and attending events, coordinating the engagement phase, and reporting all collected data back to them.

You Said

The survey ran from early October 2024 to late December 2024, with 673 participants sharing their preferences, opinions, and feedback. Aberdeenshire Council analysed the data, and the key findings are outlined below.

High Streets

• Improve cleanliness by tidying streets, removing weeds, and cleaning buildings.
• Restore and maintain derelict buildings and shopfronts.
• Introduce greenery, street art, and cultural designs to enhance the town’s appearance.
• Support businesses with reduced rates, incentives, and prioritisation of vacant units.
• Develop more leisure, retail, and cultural attractions to increase footfall.

The top 4 priorities chosen were

1. Improving town centre retail and service centre infrastructure (435 – 64.6%) 
2. Improving and supporting sports facilities, tournaments, teams and leagues (358 – 53.2%) 
3. Creating or improving local green spaces (272 – 40.4%) 
4. Supporting social action projects (232 – 34.5%) 

Transport

• Reintroduce free or reduced parking to encourage visitors.
• Improve public transport connections and overall accessibility.
• Develop cycling and pedestrian-friendly routes.
• Enhance town signage and wayfinding for easier navigation.

The top 2 priorities chosen were -

1. Supporting active travel (387 – 57.5%) 
2. Improving bus infrastructure and connection (372 – 55.3%) 

Security

• Increase safety with more security patrols and CCTV in public spaces.
• Address antisocial behaviour to create a safer environment.
• Provide safe community spaces, particularly for teenagers and families.

The top 2 priorities chosen were –

1. Using design and management of streets and landscapes to discourage crime (481 – 71.5%) 
2. Measures to prevent anti-social behaviour, crime and reduce re-offending (371 – 55.1%) 

We Will

Comprehensive reports were prepared by Aberdeenshire Council for each theme and presented to the Peterhead Town Board during the Board meeting on 7^th February 2025.

Three dedicated sub-groups, made up of Board members, have been formed to focus on each theme. Their role is to review the engagement findings, analyse the collected data, and consult with subject experts. The insights from these sub-groups will then be presented to all Town Board members, enabling the development of a detailed plan for submission to the UK Government. This plan will outline the key challenges Peterhead faces and identify priority areas for investment.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views. Your input is invaluable in guiding the next stages of shaping our investment plan for Peterhead.

Aberdeenshire Council publishes information about the Peterhead Long-Term Plan and Town Board here: Peterhead Long Term Town Plan - Aberdeenshire Council

We asked

Aberdeenshire Restaurant Week took place between 4th and 10th November 2024. This was a pilot to test out the appetite for such an event. To help us to understand if this should become a regular fixture in the Aberdeenshire culinary calendar, we wanted to know what you thought of the first ever Aberdeenshire Restaurant Week and if you participated by visiting any of the venues taking part.

We also partnered with the Aberdeenshire Loves Local Gift Card during the Week and so wanted to understand awareness of this scheme at the same time.

You Said

Communication

• When asked where you saw Restaurant Week promoted the most popular responses were Facebook (42%), via email (25%), and in the press (17%)

Feedback on the pilot Restaurant Week

• 85% of respondents rated the choice of venues as excellent or good
• 85% of respondents dined out during Restaurant Week
• Your main reasons for participating in Restaurant Week were – the discount was appealing (36%), to try a new restaurant (34%) and wanting to visit a favourite restaurant (17%)
• 62% of you dined with a partner, whilst 42% dined in a group (family or friends)
• Most people (63%) dined out once, with the majority of people spending between £21-£40 (22%)
• 32% of you also spent money in other businesses as a part of your Restaurant Week visit
• 50% of respondents said Restaurant Week encouraged them to visit a part of Aberdeenshire they don’t normally go to

Thoughts about future Restaurant Weeks

• 83% of you would definitely like to dine out again during any future Restaurant Week events
• When asked how long a future Restaurant Week should run for, 33% of respondents said 1 week, 52% said 2 weeks and 15% said 1 month
• 64% of you would like it to run at the same time again (November) or have no preference
• 52% of respondents felt that Restaurant Week should be extended to two weeks, 33% liked the one-week format whilst 15% said it should run for a full month
• 70% of you said the event should run twice a year with March being the most popular other month suggested
• General feedback received was focused on improving awareness/publicity, encouraging businesses to better promote their offer by having the special menu available without having to ask for it and doing their own promotion, increasing geographical coverage and the range of venues taking part

Aberdeenshire Loves Local Gift Card

• 63% of respondents were aware of the Aberdeenshire Gift Card, however the majority of people had not given or received a card
• Supporting the Aberdeenshire economy, receiving discounts and introducing an e-gift card were the most popular options for encouraging people to purchase a gift card in the future

We Will

We will use this feedback to inform our decision-making around the possibility of delivering future Aberdeenshire Restaurant Week events. If it does continue, we will use this information to aid planning and promotion. We will also share this with businesses so that they can understand why they should get involved and how they can improve their offer. As we develop any new plans, we’ll provide further updates so you can stay informed about potential opportunities to dine out and support the Aberdeenshire hospitality sector.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views. Your input is invaluable in helping us shape our work to benefit the Aberdeenshire economy.