Proposals to build a new care home in a north-east village have been abandoned.
Developers behind the North Woods development in Mintlaw had earmarked land in the neighbourhood for a new home for older people.
But yesterday local councillors gave Fraserburgh firm Colaren Homes permission to drop the scheme as long as housing suitable for retired residents is provided.
Planning officer Colm McKee recommended members approve the change to the project’s planning blueprint.
“This is essentially a change to an existing masterplan,” he said. “The facility for the elderly would be removed.
“The capacity plan shows there wouldn’t be an issue with demand until 2032. There are several further phases where this could be built. We recommend this be omitted.”
Mintlaw resident and local councillor Jim Ingram disputed the suggestion that there is not demand for housing for older residents, but ultimately backed the decision to omit the home.
“In Aberdeenshire people are standing on each others shoulders to get into these facilities,” Mr Ingram said.
“We are an aging population. There are waiting lists and we are turning a blind eye to the demographic.”
The SNP member said that although 2032 is “a long way off” he believes demand will be high.
Fellow Central Buchan councillor Norman Smith said: “There would be land available on the site in the future.”
And councillor Anne Allan, chairwoman of Aberdeenshire’s social work and housing committee, added: “Service land is also a need for the council as well as affordable homes.
The council is looking at new types of homes for the elderly and service land could be used for this.”
Buchan area committee chairman Stuart Pratt told the planners that the views of local members are “clear” – the care facility can be removed from the plan as long as the developers provide suitable housing for older residents.
This could take the form of single-storey properties with disabled access.
