Welcome to Planning Ahead – our weekly round-up of the latest proposals lodged across the north-east.
Every Monday morning, we present a selection of the most interesting projects planned across north-east communities.
And while Christmas may have been and gone, there’s still lots to unwrap in our Boxing Day instalment.
This week’s selection box of proposals features everything from a major vision for an “outdoor education centre” in New Aberdour to a historic headstone in Aberdeen needing some TLC.
First, though, we have a row brewing in Dyce over plans to tear down a guesthouse…
Neighbours fighting guesthouse demolition
Norman Hunter, the director of Aberdeen firm Affordable Kitchens and Bathrooms, has submitted proposals to knock down the guesthouse at Dalwhinnie Bed and Breakfast at 1B Skene Place in Dyce.
He wants to build a new house in its place, featuring three bedrooms and its own office on the ground floor.
But John and Sarah McCoubrey, who live nearby at 11 Station Road, are objecting.
They say the Skene Place area already has “inadequate parking”, which “greatly impedes” the use of their driveway.
They fear they “will face additional restrictions” with another house in the area.
The couple state: “The planning application has to make further allowance for vehicle parking for the residents before I can support it.
“The area cannot take any more roadside parking as it has become a nuisance and a potential hazard to public safety.”
Tomb upgrader needed in Aberdeen
Meanwhile, in Aberdeen city centre, the council is planning to repair a historic monument in St Nicholas Kirkyard.
Rickart’s Memorial is built into the wall onto Back Wynd. It stands 14ft tall and is 320 years old.
The sandstone monument was erected in 1696 by William Rickart as a tribute to his parents, George and Janet.
George Rickart, who died in 1650, was a merchant in the city and held the Lairdship of Auchnacant Farm in Foveran.
His son William was a merchant and country gentleman with no children, and on his death in 1749 he left a “considerable sum” to the city’s poor as well as an endowment for the upkeep of the tomb.
But now the paint is peeling and stonework crumbling, and the local authority has pencilled in a “scheme of repairs”.
Architect Georgina Allison inspected it recently.
Her report warns: “Although generally structurally sound, there are areas of missing stonework and vegetation which if left will cause further, accelerated decay.
“The intention is to put the monument into a sound condition.”
Plans to upgrade it came and went in 2019.
Speaking to us at the time, Reverend Stephen Taylor, welcomed the proposed work at the historic churchyard.
Steak venue grilled over unauthorised illuminated sign
The owners of the new Highland Coo Steak and Grill venue on Holburn Street have had their ambitions dimmed by the council.
Mohammed Kioum’s retrospective application for glowing signage has been turned down by unimpressed planning chiefs.
They say it’s “inappropriate” in the conservation area – and must go.
Final chapter in sad saga of ancient mill destroyed by fire
The owner of an Alford oatmeal mill has lodged a retrospective demolition application after most of the building had to be knocked down.
Montgarrie Mill, built around 1870 and Category A-listed, fell victim to a major blaze in April 2020.
The mill was used for a range of oatmeal, known as Oatmeal of Alford, and one of the last in Scotland powered by a water wheel.
But Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has confirmed the fire destroyed “most of the structure”, with “substantial demolition” taking place in the aftermath.
Only the north section of the building remains intact.
HES adds: “The internal features, floor plates and the roof structure were lost as well as extensions to the east of the building.”
Last year, owner John Medlock told us how “truly devastating” the fire was.
But the firm has kept going, working from other sites.
The application is needed as a formality given its historic significance, and as the demolition couldn’t be signed off through the correct channels due to the urgency of the work.
Given the destruction, the building is “no longer of special interest”, “incapable of meaningful repair” and nor would such work be “economically viable”.
Further talks with the council and heritage chiefs will be needed if Mr Medlock intends to fully clear the site.
New place to pick up second-hand cars in Peterhead
B&F Commercials, on Wilson Street in Peterhead, will soon start selling cars as well as mending them.
Aberdeenshire Council has rubber-stamped the changes, meaning second-hand vehicles can now be displayed and sold from the Roanheads site.
Good news for Stonehaven Leisure Centre
But that’s not the only facility in the town being done up.
Plans have also been lodged for a £1.4 million revamp of the leisure centre nearby on Beach Road.
An extension at the front of the building will provide room for an improved dance studio, gym and entrance areas.
Aberdeenshire Council told us the enlarged fitness room will be able to host more modern equipment, and said a new studio would be ideal for exercise classes.
A spokesman added: “With the sports hall being so popular, the work is very much in response to local demand.
“We expect this project to cost £1.4m.”
‘Prescription ATMs’ coming to Aberdeen
The P&J recently revealed Andy and Lynne Porter are taking over the former Lloyds pharmacies in Westhill – and planning to install a new 24/7 pick-up kiosk.
The Pharmaself-24 machine would allow patients to “simply and securely” pick up their medicines whenever they want.
The move is hoped to cut down on queues that previously blighted the shopping centre store there.
The Porters have now lodged similar plans for automated prescription machines at their Holburn Street, Cove and Bridge of Don pharmacies.
Bucksburn police offices could become homes
How would you like to live next door to Aberdeen’s Bucksburn police station?
Under new plans to turn old offices used by the force into homes, it could soon be possible.
LFL Properties wants to transform the buildings on Miltonfold Court into four houses.
Two would have three bedrooms, while the other two would feature four.
It comes after they were put up for sale last year, with no interest in using them as offices.
Letting agents shared this video in an effort to entice buyers:
Consultants Aurora Planning explain the buildings, just off the A96, started off life as police houses, before being turned into offices in 1993.
They add: “More recently, they have become surplus to requirements as offices, and are now vacant.”
Aurora states: “Taking this into account, our client has identified an opportunity to bring these buildings back into productive use by returning them to their former residential use.”
The space at the front would be turned into a car park with 10 spaces, with access off Howes Road.
And since it’s close to the Bucksburn “nature conservation site“, an ecological report has been prepared.
It says there is no evidence of badgers or red squirrels using the site, nor of bats roosting in the buildings.
Fife Arms rock repairs approved amid collapse fears
Fearing major structural damage, owners Artfarm Ltd commissioned a study at the spot.
Specialist designer Fairhurst identified a package of measures to repair the rockface and protect the five-star landmark.
Aberdeenshire Council has now signed off on the efforts to take place on the west bank of the River Clunie.
However, NatureScot warned of a “potential risk” to freshwater pearl muscles and Atlantic salmon.
And they have urged that the project be carried out in a manner that “minimises the risk of pollution or sediment entering the watercourse”.
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Emus, pigs, goats and cows could be part of new ‘living off the land’ education centre
Finally, some major plans have been formed for land outside New Aberdour…
Farmers Mr and Mrs Groom want to transform fields into a “living off the land” environmental education centre – described as being a tourist attraction in its own right too.
They also want to build a bungalow for themselves there.
The couple, also “experienced educators”, say the site would be “wholly self-sufficient”.
It would feature areas for livestock, chickens, vegetable plots, an orchard, a pond and solar panels.
The “education building” would serve to explain how the site operates, teaching people how they too can live more sustainably.
Documents sent to Aberdeenshire Council by CMK Planning state: “The proposed education and tourist facility provides an exciting opportunity to help maintain a vibrant rural community while respecting the local character of the area.”
The animals will provide all the food, and wool for clothing and also be used for farm work.
The orchard would feature fruit and maple trees, next to the Water of Tyrie, with a beehive as well.
There would be a central growing area for vegetables, with a pig pen and chicken runs included.
A parking area for cars and a bus would also be included.
How would ‘education centre’ work?
The “eco-school” would have a central viewing gallery and an abattoir.
There would be sessions for local schools too.
As well as offering classes and courses in living off the land, it could be hired out for private functions or other types of classes.
What animals would it have?
Planning papers indicate the menagerie would include Castlemilk Moorit Sheep, Anglo Nubian Goats, three Tamworth pigs, Dexter cows, ducks, chickens and even emus.
The business would make ends meet by selling produce such as lamb and poultry, wool, eggs, cheese and fruit and veg.
Five year masterplan for site
Information provided to the council even details the ambitious five-year framework Mr and Mrs Groom have in mind.
In the first two years, they will embark on ground improvements and planting, dividing the paddocks, installing solar panels and building their house.
In that time, they also hope to have the education centre erected, with classes running.
In addition to the other animals on the land, the pair are dalmatian breeders and aim to have a livery there.
The initial crops will be sewn and harvested, with the first fruit, vegetables and meat sold.
In year three, they want to add the goats and pigs to the mix, create additional classes and be 30% self-sustained.
By the fifth year, the couple plan to bring cattle onto the land, start “more comprehensive training courses” and be 50% self-sustaining.
Could badger fears cause problems?
But there’s one animal the pair don’t seem to have taken into account…
The council’s environment team say there are “several records” of badgers living on and around the fields.
While the experts say there are unlikely to be setts there, it could be “good foraging” land for them.
They say a survey should be undertaken…
Read our latest Planning Ahead round-ups here:
And you can see this week’s plans for yourself using these links:
Stonehaven Leisure Centre extension
Pharmacy ATMs at Holburn Street, Cove and Bridge of Don
Homes plan for Bucksburn police offices
New Aberdour outdoor education centre
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