RURAL Aberdeenshire residents have vowed to continue a battle to reopen their local pub, claiming plans to convert the historic inn to a house breaks planning rules.
With Aberdeenshire Council planners now advertising proposed changes to centuries-old Midmar Inn as potential departures from the area-development blueprint, campaigning group the Friends of Midmar Inn intend to lodge further objections to the change-of-use application.
Locals formed a company after innkeeper David Cooper shut down the ancient drover’s inn last September.
Residents opposing the permanent last-orders move won the right to buy the pub under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
The Scottish Government move means the community has first option on the inn should it come on the market.
“I will draw the first pint when the Midmar Inn reopens.
“It is an essential local amenity that residents are determined to save,” said group secretary and local resident Margot Kennedy, a retired senior lecturer in business management, yesterday.
She said more than 140 objections had been lodged when initial plans for conversion of the inn were submitted in April by Mr Cooper and his partner, Debi Begg.
“I have been assured by planners that those objections stand,” added Mrs Kennedy.
Comments on the possible development-plan departure have to be submitted by October 16, with the Midmar Inn change-of-use and extension scheme expected to be debated the following month.
In a report to councillors, planners state: “The principle of housing on the site complies with policy. However, the loss of the public house would cause substantial harm to the sustainability of the surrounding area and does not comply with policy.”
Neither Mr Cooper nor Ms Begg was available for comment.
In a letter to planners, the couple’s architect states: “Midmar Inn provided a service which was not adequately supported by the community and, as a consequence, this loss-making venture is unsustainable.
“We are aware of a petition but, of the 62 signatures, a large percentage had never visited the premises.”
Mrs Kennedy, of Upper Balblair, said local people were committed to preserving the inn as a local amenity.