What you told us - What we're doing

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Council invited feedback on a draft nature network for the area. The network links protected sites, local nature conservation sites and towns, using rivers and water corridors. It aims to support nature recovery and improve resilience. Full detail of the consultation, including the project documents and mapping, can be found here: Draft Aberdeenshire Nature Network | Engage Aberdeenshire

We received 54 responses to the consultation and are very grateful to those who provided feedback. Many thanks to you all.

36% of respondents agreed with the methodology used to create the nature network, and a majority of 64% said they did not. Comments on the methodology included:

• That the range of habitats used in the mapping should be broadened out from rivers to include woodland, moorland, wetlands and grassland for example
• The 250m buffer used around the rivers and protected sites lacks justification and is overly large
• The map risks limiting built development by creating the impression of ‘no development’ zones
• Long distance outdoor access paths such as the Deeside Way should be added
• Rather the focussing on a single network, a more habitat focussed set of networks should be set up looking to join up like-for-like habitats such as a wetland network and a separate one for woodlands, providing a positive future vision

52% of respondents agreed with the proposed uses of the nature network, 48% disagreed. Comments on the proposed uses included:

• Disappointment at the network being presented as non-restrictive and only a focus for voluntary/optional action. It was felt that would fall short of the needs for nature recovery
• The key issues for nature are not addressed by the approach such as habitat loss, wildlife protection, pollution and development
• The wide corridors risk limiting development
• No measurable outcomes or monitoring processes are presented

What we are doing

We are now reviewing all the feedback given and looking to develop the methodology and mapping further in response. Our particular focus will be to:

• Consider if and how we can build in a wider range of habitats into the methodology
• Explore whether in and around towns we might represent the network differently
• Make sure the network’s purpose and benefits are clearly explained, while setting out a positive vision for the future.

We plan to update the methodology and related documents, and then share them again for further consultation.

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Council invited feedback from the local community to help select their preferred design for a new Playpark Equipment, funded by the Scottish Government. The playparks being upgraded are:

• High Shore, Macduff
• Recreation Park, Portsoy
• Midstreet, Cornhill
• Pitblae Place, Fraserburgh
• North Street, Aberchirder
• Hardie Court, Aberchirder
• Rathen Playpark, Rathen
• Cairndenity Place, Inverallochy

Four design options were presented, with the designs shown below receiving almost 42% of the public vote.

What we're doing

Aberdeenshire Council’s Landscape Services have now ordered the new play equipment, which will be installed over the coming months. Thank you to everyone who took part and shared their views, your input has played an important role in shaping these play parks for the community.

What you told us

Between November 2025 and March 2026, we asked your views on the revised boundary of the Huntly Conservation Area. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their feedback through the online survey. The detail of responses returned provided valuable insight into how the conservation area is viewed by residents and the potential impacts of any change.

What we’re doing

We are currently collating the all the survey responses we have received, and these will be used to shape the final Huntly Conservation Area boundary. Later this year, we will be attending Marr Area Committee to provide feedback on this exercise. The report to committee will be published on our website.

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Council invited feedback from the local community to help select their preferred design for a new Playpark Equipment, funded by the Scottish Government. The playparks being upgraded are Queens Lane in Boddam, Northfield Gardens in Hatton, Martin Terrace in Auchnagatt and Dales Park in Hatton. Four design options were presented, with the designs shown below receiving almost 38% of the public vote.

What we're doing

Aberdeenshire Council’s Landscape Services have now ordered the new play equipment, which will be installed over the coming months. Thank you to everyone who took part and shared their views, your input has played an important role in shaping these play parks for the community.

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Council invited feedback from the local community to help select their preferred design for new playpark equipment, funded by the Scottish Government. The playparks being upgraded are Leeds Terrace playpark in New Leeds, Penny Park in Boddam and Fairwinds playpark in Peterhead. Five design options were presented, with the designs shown below receiving almost 43% of the public vote.

What we're doing

Aberdeenshire Council’s Landscape Services have now ordered the new play equipment, which will be installed over the coming months. Thank you to everyone who took part and shared their views, your input has played an important role in shaping these play parks for the community.

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Council invited feedback from the local community to select a preferred design to upgrade the Fraserburgh Beach Play Park. The project aims to enhance the overall play experience, offering an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. The project is supported by funding from the Scottish Government.

Two design options were presented. The public consultation ran from February 25th to March 15th, 2026. 254 individuals participated in the public vote, 25 of which did so via in-person community events while 229 participated online via the Engage Aberdeenshire website. The design shown below received the most support, with 75% of the total public vote choosing this option.

What we’re doing

Aberdeenshire Council’s Landscape Services team have contracted the successful company to progress with ordering and installing the new play equipment. The equipment will be installed over the coming months. Aberdeenshire Council will also be undertaking some upgrade works on site to complement the new equipment and further enhance the overall play experience.

An update on the confirmed installation dates will be shared here and via local social media channels, along with details of any temporary park closures and re-opening dates.

Thank you to everyone who took part and shared their views, your input has played an important role in shaping the play park equipment for the community.

What you told us

Between 16 February and 3 April 2026, we asked for your views on a proposal to withdraw discretionary home-to-school transport on the Checkbar to Portlethen Academy route.

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their feedback through the online survey, public meeting, and wider engagement activity. The strength and detail of responses provided valuable insight into how the route is experienced in practice and the potential impacts of any change.

There was significant engagement with the consultation, with 116 responses received through the online survey, alongside feedback gathered through a public meeting and Place and Wellbeing Assessment.

A clear majority of respondents did not support the proposal, with over 92% expressing opposition.

Across all engagement activity, several consistent themes were identified.

Concerns were raised regarding the safety and suitability of the walking route, particularly the requirement to cross complex junctions and roundabouts connected to the A90/A92. Respondents also highlighted issues such as traffic volumes, perceived speed of vehicles, limited lighting in winter months, and the overall experience of navigating the route on a daily basis.

The consultation evidence also highlighted the practical challenges for families, particularly the expectation that pupils would need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Many respondents advised that this would not be feasible due to work patterns or caring responsibilities.

There was clear evidence of strong reliance on the existing service, with many households currently using the transport and a large proportion indicating they would seek to use it in future.

Respondents also identified that removal of the service would be likely to result in increased reliance on private cars, with associated concerns around congestion, parking and safety around Portlethen Academy.

What we're doing

We have carefully considered all feedback alongside the Walk Route Safety Review and the Place and Wellbeing Assessment.

We recognise the strength of feeling expressed through the consultation, particularly in relation to safety and the day-to-day experience of the route. This feedback has been an important part of the decision making process.

However, decisions on school transport must also be considered within the statutory and policy framework. The Checkbar to Portlethen Academy route is below the statutory walking distance of 3 miles for secondary pupils, and the existing Walk Route Safety Review concluded that the route is suitable for accompanied travel in line with national guidance.

In response to the issues raised through the consultation, a further targeted assessment of the uncontrolled slip road crossings on this route was undertaken by Road Safety Engineers in May 2026.

This review found that:

• There have been no recorded injury collisions at these crossing points over both a 5 year and extended 10 year period
• There are sufficient gaps in traffic to allow safe crossing movements at these locations
• Vehicle speeds at the crossings are within expected levels for the road environment and below the posted speed limit
• The existing infrastructure, including visibility, lighting, and crossing layout, meets relevant design and safety criteria

Importantly, the review concluded that the crossings are operating as intended and no additional engineering measures are required beyond routine maintenance, such as vegetation management and ongoing upkeep.

Taking all of this into account, and recognising the need for consistency in how school transport policy is applied across Aberdeenshire, a decision has been taken to proceed with the withdrawal of discretionary school transport on this route.

What happens next

We recognise that this change will have a significant impact for some households, and work is now focused on supporting the transition.

Before implementation, we will:

• Complete all maintenance and safety actions identified through the Walk Route Safety Review, including improvements to visibility, barriers and route condition
• Develop a clear transition plan for families, including route information and guidance on key crossing points
• Work with partners to explore public transport capacity and alternative travel options where feasible
• Support Portlethen Academy to promote road safety awareness and update the School Travel Plan

We will also monitor the impact of this change following implementation, including any effects on congestion, safety concerns or school attendance, and will keep the position under review.

What you told us

Between 9 February and 27 March 2026, we asked for your views on a proposal to withdraw discretionary home-to-school transport on the Ury Estate to Mackie Academy route.

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their feedback through the online survey, public meeting, and wider engagement activity. The evidence and insight provided through this process has been essential in helping us understand the practical impacts of the proposal and in informing next steps.

There was a high level of engagement, with 86 responses received through the online survey, alongside feedback gathered through a public meeting and a Place and Wellbeing Assessment.

A clear majority of respondents did not support the proposed removal of school transport, with around 84% of respondents indicating opposition.

Across all engagement activity, several consistent themes were identified.

Safety concerns were raised most frequently. Respondents highlighted risks associated with traffic volumes and speeds, narrow pavements, and the safety of key points along the route, particularly the B979 / A92 (AWPR) junction.

Importantly, the consultation process provided additional evidence of incidents and near misses occurring at this junction which are not fully reflected in existing recorded data. This highlighted a gap between available records and lived experience, and reinforced concerns about the practical safety of the route.

Many respondents expressed the view that, while the route may meet technical safety criteria, it is not considered suitable for regular use by school aged children in practice.

There was also clear evidence of strong reliance on the existing service, with demand already exceeding capacity and expected to increase in the future.

Respondents highlighted the impact on families, including challenges in accompanying children to school, and indicated that removal of the service would likely lead to increased reliance on private cars, with associated impacts on cost, congestion and the environment.

What we're doing

We have carefully considered all feedback alongside the Walk Route Safety Review and the Place and Wellbeing Assessment.

While the existing assessment concluded that the route is suitable for accompanied walking, the consultation findings demonstrate a clear difference between technical assessment and lived experience, particularly in relation to safety and day-to-day practicality.

Considering the strength of feedback and most notably the additional evidence provided through the consultation, no decision has been taken at this stage to withdraw discretionary home-to-school transport on this route.

The consultation also identified the B979 / A92 (AWPR) junction as a critical factor in determining the overall suitability of the route. While an independent junction review has not yet commenced, Transport Scotland are now supportive of this being undertaken by Aberdeen Roads Ltd. This represents an important step in ensuring that a more complete evidence base is available, with timelines for this work to be confirmed.

What happens next

Before any decision is made, we will:

• Await confirmation of timelines for the independent junction review and consider its findings once complete
• Progress actions identified through the Walk Route Safety Review, including maintenance and infrastructure improvements
• Continue to build the evidence base, including consideration of both recorded data and community-reported experience
• Keep the position under review once this additional work has been completed

A further update will be provided once this additional work has been progressed and a fully informed decision can be taken.

What you told us

Each year Aberdeenshire Council prepares and publishes a Development Plan Scheme to inform stakeholders and interested parties of the programme for preparing the Local Development Plan.

We invited comments on the draft Development Plan Scheme and specifically the Participation Statement therein which sets out the engagement activities proposed over the next year.

Consultation commenced on 2 March and closed on 10 April with 12 responses received. An issues and actions paper to summarise and respond to comments was prepared. It outlines where amendments to the scheme were agreed as a result of comments received. You can view that document here: Documents | Development Plan Scheme 2026 | Engage Aberdeenshire

What we’re doing

The comments submitted were used to shape the final development plan scheme which was subsequently considered and approved at Infrastructure Services Committee on 14th May 2026. The final document will be published on our website shortly: Development Plan Scheme - Aberdeenshire Council

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Council invited feedback from the local community to help select their preferred design for a new Junior Multi-Play Unit, funded by the Scottish Government. Three design options were presented, with the design shown below receiving almost 91% of the public vote.

What we’re doing

Aberdeenshire Council’s Landscape Services have now ordered the new play equipment, which will be installed over the coming months. Thank you to everyone who took part and shared their views, your input has played an important role in shaping this play park for the community.