Welcome to our weekly round-up of the latest planning applications lodged across the north-east.
This week, we look at how certain schemes can energise communities…
Residents are coming out in force against a Costa drive-thru in Inverurie, while plans for a new ice cream shop at Stonehaven Harbour enjoy a tidal wave of support.
There’s also good news for pizza fans, with plans being cooked up for two new north-east eateries.
But first, plans have been lodged for a new home – with something of a difference!
University’s plans for bright pink miniature cottage
We have covered plenty of plans for new houses across the region, but none quite like this.
Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University (RGU) has been given permission to put a miniature house up in its grounds.
The “House in the Woods” installation was created by Glasgow artist James Rigler for the Look Again festival in 2018.
The eye-catching work has a hidden ice cream kiosk, and was partly inspired by “Dorothy’s house in the Wizard of Oz flying through the air”.
Four years ago it went on display in the Marischal College quad, and has been in storage at the Garthdee campus since.
In a letter to Aberdeen City Council, RGU said locating the structure behind the Sir Ian Wood building would encourage students, staff and the public to “further explore” the area.
Despite the home being about the size of a garden shed, the university felt the need to stress: “The folly is not a building and does not provide accommodation.”
Watch as artist James Rigler makes the House in the Woods:
New owner to refurbish historic Peterhead offices
A fishing wholesaler has lodged plans to upgrade the former Caley Fisheries offices on Harbour Street in Peterhead.
P&J Johnstone has enlisted heritage experts in its plans to turn the historic building into the firm’s new home, meaning a move from its Bridge Street base.
The B-listed former Custom House dates back to the early 19th Century, while its unlisted extension is just 70 years old.
P&J Johnstone acquired the building when taking over Caley Fisheries in 2018,
Documents sent to Aberdeenshire Council by Mackie Ramsay Taylor architects say the firm wants to relocate its operations there after being unable to sell it.
Papers state: “Our clients already had an office in Peterhead (leased from the Harbour Authority) and since acquiring the building have marketed it for sale.
“The buildings have proved unsellable even at a knock down price.
“Our client has taken the decision to plan to move their Peterhead operations from their
current leased premises into this building.”
A quick search online confirms the 11 Harbour Street address was on offer for a bargain £125,000.
To make it fit for purpose, P&J Johnstone wants to carry out a package of upgrades including replacing run-down windows with frames warped by being blasted with “horizontal rain and sea spray” for years.
Dentist filling a gap in Aberdeen property market
On Crown Street, an Aberdeen dentist is seeking permission to take over an empty flat upstairs to provide more space for staff.
Thistle Dental Lab occupies the basement of 134 Crown Street.
Blueprints show how a bedroom and living room will be turned into offices, with the kitchen staying the same.
Plans to turn guesthouse into flats rejected over lack of daylight
Further along the street, planning chiefs have taken a dim view of proposals to transform Antrim Guesthouse into flats…
The owner, who had been trying to sell it for years, finally gave up and sought permission to turn the eight-bedroom guesthouse into three flats.
But now he has been dealt another blow.
Rejecting the application, the council said the scheme “would conflict with the vision for Aberdeen as a place which offers a high quality of life”.
Officers slammed the lack of amenity for prospective residents, with both bedrooms in the proposed ground floor and basement flat “afforded unacceptably low levels of light and outlook”.
Timber planters to brighten up sunless Justice Mill Lane
A few weeks ago, we reported on Aberdeen Inspired’s idea to spruce up Justice Mill Lane with planters and benches.
The city centre improvement group was quickly forced to scrap plans for the new seating area opposite Nox nightclub when neighbours raised fears it would encourage anti-social behaviour.
But the proposal to install four planters along the street has now been approved, having caused no controversy.
Council planning chiefs said they would “add to the vibrancy” of the area.
It comes after the council approved plans to turn the Travelodge there into student flats.
Holburn Bar ‘planting wall’ could remain
Nearby, the Holburn Bar is seeking permission to keep some enhancements to its outdoor drinking area – such as its “planting wall”.
The quirky feature has been mounted to the Fonthill Road side of the venue, with fake planting creating the illusion of lush greenery.
They also want to maintain timber fencing, stone-filled cages marking the boundary, “subtle” lighting, parasols and planting troughs.
And for anyone looking forward to a pint outdoors even after summer has passed, the Holburn Street venue is asking to keep its four heaters too.
Council seals Newburgh holiday home plans
The owners of a plush new home on the banks of the Ythan Estuary will now lease out space above their garage to holidaymakers.
Angela Tease lodged the application to change the use of her garage attic, “to serve the dual purposes” of providing a spare room for the Waterside house and “to let out short-term”.
Architect Neil Strachan says the scheme would “address the growing popularity of tourism within the immediate vicinity”.
The revamped attic space will have a living room/kitchenette, a bed recess and a small shower room.
It will have its own private entrance, and be available for a maximum stay of seven days.
The Ythan Estuary, with its colony of hundreds of seals, is a popular visitor spot and the Udny Arms Hotel will soon be reopening to supply more tourist accommodation.
We’re at #Newburgh aka #Seal #beach there’s hundreds of them today 😁 pic.twitter.com/ZQ1HvVhOmQ
— Natalie Hood (@NatalieAHood) April 7, 2018
Mr Strachan added: “It will support a responsible, light touch approach to tourism within the area, which has increased significantly since the pandemic.”
Inverurie Costa drive-thru plans formed
Costa wants to build a new drive-thru venue next to the Aldi on Harlaw Road in Inverurie, having bought the land from the supermarket.
The coffee giant will share 18 parking spaces with Aldi under the plans top open the first dedicated Costa in the town.
But already, about 20 people have objected to the proposal.
Carla Bennett from Kemnay predicts it will cause “ridiculous traffic problems”, while Inverurie’s Adam Grant says the outdoor seating area will contribute to litter “attracting vermin such as seagulls“.
Gemma Spars said: “The traffic in Inverurie is horrendous already, and small local businesses are still struggling so it does not seem appropriate to be adding a large chain into the area.”
Neil Robertson called the Inverurie Costa drive-thru plan a “recipe for a pedestrian injury accident”, while others said it would “devalue” the nearby Carriages housing development.
People still have until July 28 to have their say…
Are you in favour of the new Costa? Let us know in our comments section below
New pizza parlour plans for Inverurie
Elsewhere in Inverurie, plans are being served up to turn part of a former Co-op into a pizzeria.
The grocery shop on North Street shut a few years ago, with Greens of Inverurie taking over the empty unit last December.
However, there remained a part of the building lying empty.
And now, Kirkaldy-based Glenshire Properties Ltd has unveiled plans to turn it into the town’s newest pizza place.
Scroll back and forth to see how the unit would be transformed:
All bets are off as Torry bookies becomes new pizzeria
But when it comes to plans for new pizza parlours, Torry is enjoying a slice of the action too.
A scheme to turn an old William Hill bookmakers on Victoria Road into a restaurant called La Fiamma has been approved by Aberdeen City Council.
Shepherd surveyors published this video of the property when it went on the market in 2020:
The plans were lodged by owner Amir Jahani, for the building next to the Grampian Bar.
JV Carroll consultants say Mr Jahani, from Peterhead, received “little interest” in the unit since buying it last January.
They said the take-away plan was the “only viable option” to bring the “prominent” spot back into use.
Setting forth on the changes, they say, will “bring a more welcoming appearance on entry into this historic part of the city”.
The new diner will specialise in stone-baked pizzas, opening from 4pm to 10pm from Sunday to Thursday and to 11pm on Friday and Saturday.
Harbour Hut fans keen for ice cream
Last week, we revealed plans for Stonehaven’s Seafood Bothy to take over a dilapidated fishing hut beside the harbour as a new food venue – with its own lobster tanks.
It comes at a time when plans to breathe new life into another nautical shack – on the opposite side of the port – are gaining traction.
And people from Stonehaven and beyond are urging Aberdeenshire Council to make her dream become a reality.
About 50 positive comments have been sent in, some from as far afield as the south of England.
Windsor-based Ea Mulberg said the old Harbour Hut was “a nice change to the corporate chains, because they offered locally sourced produce”.
Jill Paterson, from Inverness, said: “When living in Stonehaven, we enjoyed many visits to the previous Harbour Hut and would make a point in dropping past whilst visiting after relocating to Inverness.
“It had a true community feel and I would love to see this continue in its new premises.”
‘Yes yes yes’
Nate Woodend, in Ordhead, said: “The harbour Hut was not only a massive part of my childhood but also for many others I know, residents of Stoney and visitors alike.
“Any time I’ve spoken to people from around the area/country at uni, who have visited the harbour, they all remember and love the Harbour Hut.”
Janine Milne from Dunfermline enthused: “Vickie has shown herself to be a great businesswoman, kind and industrious.
“In the post-Covid era, an outdoor take away food service like this is required for tourists and locals alike.”
And Katy Russell from Dundee simply said “yes yes yes”.
People have until Thursday, July 21, to add their thoughts before the council makes a decision.
You can see the plans for yourself using these links:
Caley Fisheries office changes
Crown Street dentist taking over flat
Antrim Guesthouse revamp refused
Newburgh garage to become holiday let
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