The owner of a ruined north-east coach house could be allowed to pay for its repair by building family homes on the estate.
Ian Bruce, who is the managing director of Thistle Windows, has been told that permission could be granted for his plans for the 19th century building on the grounds of Brucklay Castle – if he can improve the roads at the site.
He hopes to build five large houses on the grounds to cover the cost of upgrading the coach house.
But members of the Buchan area committee yesterday heard concerns that the development could put refuse workers at risk as they would have to park their lorry on the the A950 Mintlaw to New Pitsligo road and cross it to pick up bins.
They deferred any decision to investigate whether roads on the estate could be upgraded to an “acceptable standard” and used by refuse vehicles.
The coach house is currently on a register of buildings at risk, and Mr Bruce ultimately hopes to restore it.
Senior planner, Alan Davidson, said there “was no issue” with the design of the proposed properties and stressed that the authority’s only objection centred around the safety of workers.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Bruce said: “It’s frustrating as I thought it would be more straightforward. But I understand the concern that was raised about the safety of their crews, it’s just another box I’ll need to tick.”
