Land Use / Planning
As the Bailies are not land-owners, we acknowledge that our role is to monitor and ideally make a positive influence on decision makers.
The hill forms a core part of the wider Bennachie Special Landscape Area designated by Aberdeenshire Council in its Local Development Plan. This is the statement of importance accompanying the designation: “Bennachie is an iconic landform, visible from much of the wider Aberdeenshire area. The hills are blanketed with a patchwork of moorland and forestry, with rocky outcrops at the higher summits. This moorland and forestry forms a dark ridge seen across the skyline from the farmed and wooded lowlands."
Aberdeenshire Local Plan policy E2 protects Special Landscape Areas and states: “Aberdeenshire Council will use the Statements of Importance supporting each of the Special Landscape Areas outlining the qualifying interests protected by Policy E2. Development will only be permitted if these are not being adversely affected or the effects of the development are clearly outweighed by social, environmental or economic benefits.”
The Bailies monitor the changing land use, most notably by our proactive monitoring of weekly planning applications. Where necessary and where we think it is in the best interests of the hill, we have and will commission and submit professional contributions to the planning process.
