Welcome to Planning Ahead – our weekly round-up of the latest proposals lodged across the north-east.
This week, we have plans to breathe new life into a derelict 19th-century building in Macduff – by turning it into a new shop and three flats.
In Aberdeen, Greek street food vendors are keen to open up a new hut in a popular city park.
And long-awaited plans for a major business development at Westhill, possibly including a new hotel, could finally be getting somewhere.
But first, an Aberdeen institution could be in for some TLC.
Old Torry Community Centre upgrades planned
Aberdeen City Council wants to carry out £35,000 worth of repairs to the Old Torry Community Centre as it approaches its 100th year.
The Abbey Place building came into being as a church in the 1930s and is now used for a range of activities.
But planning papers say parts of the venue are in “poor condition”.
And an improvements package is planned to install new windows, re-render walls and replace downpipes and gutters.
Deeside church to be turned into antique shop
Another old building in line for changes is Kincardine O’Neil’s parish church – which could soon become an antiques shop.
The plans, lodged by Simon Kane from Aboyne, would transform the building that dates back to the 1860s.
After it was closed, plans to turn the B-listed place of worship into a house were approved in 2014.
It comes after Blackadders listed the site for sale at £175,000 in December 2021.
Former seaside B&B to become modern family home
The new owners of a former Stonehaven guesthouse are planning a string of renovations after snapping it up for £470,000 last year.
It came with three en-suite bedrooms and selling agents boasted of its “enviable location with stunning views over the harbour”.
The C-listed building dates back to 1770 and hosted a net-making workshop in the early 1900s.
Documents submitted to Aberdeenshire Council by Hyve architects outline aims to turn it into a home “suitable for modern day living”.
The owners, Mr and Mrs Collier Wakefield want to turn the ground floor into an open-plan kitchen, living room and dining space taking advantage of the views over the horizon.
A bathroom and utility room would be added to the four-bedroom house too.
Market garden plans to help Mearns villagers in need
Elsewhere in the Mearns, Luthermuir villagers want to create a “market garden” in the heart of the community.
Poly-tunnels and storage containers at the site would mean seasonal fruit and vegetables could be grown on the field behind Aberluthnott Parish Church throughout the year.
The scheme, entitled The Caim Project, has been devised by members of the West Mearns and Arbuthnott parishes.
And the produce would be shared out among local community larders and foodbanks, where items will be available to anyone in need.
There would also be volunteer days, where people can learn about growing and harvesting.
Papers sent to Aberdeenshire Council say: “This will contribute to other benefits such as providing a welcoming social space, reducing stress through being outside, exercise and new skills.
“The project aims to equip people to grow at home, as well as provide information on recipes to cook with the vegetables.”
Where will benefit?
The papers continue: “The Caim Project will be making connections and links with larder/foodbanks (Luthermuir and Marykirk), and seeking to establish and build good relationships that help deliver where needed.
“In Fettercairn and Auchenblae, vegetable station points will be established via the churches.”
The project has received funding from Rural and Island Communities: Ideas into Action scheme run by Inspiring Scotland and the Scottish Government.
A recent update on the church’s Facebook page confirmed plans to start the first season are well in hand.
A 3x3m poly-tunnel will be bought to grow seeds, with a 5x13m model to grow crops like tomatoes which need protection from the elements.
Raspberries and rhubarb have already been ordered too.
Some people may not have a grocery shop in their local area, and paying for the bus can be an unwelcome financial burden.
Plans to improve west end office building
Meanwhile, a Glasgow-based real estate firm has formed plans to enhance an empty Aberdeen office building.
The 3-5 Albyn Place property is part of the multi-let facility The Hive, which was tipped to bring 300 people to work in the flexible space when a revamp was unveiled in 2019.
But the space has been available to rent for some time.
Now, the former Bank of Scotland is under the ownership of Surplus Property Investments.
And bosses are now asking Aberdeen City Council for permission to future-proof the building with solar panels on the roof and EV charging points in the car park.
Greek food plans next to rotting Aberdeen landmark
Aberdeen’s Westburn House dates back to 1839 when the A-listed mansion was designed by Archibald Simpson.
Despite the best efforts of campaigners, it remains in a sorry state, after lying empty for many years.
But businessman Lefki Christodoulo has opted to base his Golden Grill Central food hut next to the Westburn Park building.
If his retrospective application is approved, then he intends to enhance the appearance of the structure with timber cladding.
Mr Christodoulo already operates a Golden Grill food van in Bridge of Don, serving up tasty fare like Greek pita pizza to gyros and burgers.
Our food and drink team recently tried out the offering that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to Silverburn Crescent:
Macduff flats plan could cause ‘shambles’ during construction
Meanwhile, in Macduff, a long-vacant eyesore could finally be in for a new lease of life.
The 22-24 Duff Street block, on the main road into the town, has crumbled into disrepair in recent years.
It was trader William Thom’s New Central Warehouse in the late 1800s, selling various “woolen goods” and boasting of the “best selected stock in the district”.
And it was latterly home to the Petals and Pearls bridal shop.
Whitehills man Alan Robertson, who is a director of THT Elegance Apartments, has now tendered plans to breathe new life into the derelict site as a shop with three flats upstairs.
When last in use, it was a shop on the ground level, with a salon on the first floor and a three-bedroom flat across the second and third floors.
Now that first-floor salon could become a one-bedroom flat and storage space elsewhere on that level another one-bedroom property.
The three-bedroom flat would remain the same.
Local hits out at Macduff flats plan
David Gault, who lives on nearby Gellymill Street, is objecting to the changes to the 19th-century building.
He said parking and congestion at the crossroads there is already an issue, with another two premises and a shop only “exacerbating” the problem.
Mr Gault continued: “That is without even taking into consideration the shambles there will inevitably be caused with tradesmen vans whilst the work is being done.
“I understand I have no right to a parking place at my front door but even as things are now I often struggle to park in the same postcode.
“I accept the building is an eyesore and am glad something is being done with it, but adding the extra traffic related to three separate addresses is unacceptable.”
Mark Grayham, who also lives nearby, echoed those concerns in his objection to the Macduff flats plan.
Do you think the plans should be approved? Let us know in our comments section below
Glassaugh distillery expansion approved despite windmill fears
In December, Planning Ahead detailed the one-woman stand being taken by Margaret Birch against the American whisky giant who owns both Jack Daniels and the distllery next to her home near Portsoy.
Margaret raised concerns about the impact of the proposed expansion on the historic windmill next to the Glassaugh plant, among other issues.
But Aberdeenshire Council has now officiated the David vs Goliath fight – and the result hasn’t quite mirrored the outcome of the biblical battle.
Officers endorsed the plans for six new warehouses given the “expanding requirements for the business”.
They add: “The proposal would allow for economic growth and expansion.”
But they have ordered that work should not begin until archaeological studies take place on the land.
Discussions at an ‘advanced stage’ over major Westhill development
Finally, long-awaited plans for a huge development in Westhill could soon get off the ground.
The major scheme at East Arnhall goes back more than a decade.
The plan for the 2.4-acre plot was unveiled in 2011 and approved in principle in 2013.
Developers secured the right to use it for business, general industrial, storage and distribution purposes – or as a hotel.
Permission was renewed in 2016, and again in February 2020.
Now landowners Westhill Developments are seeking consent to keep the plans alive once more.
Covid waylaid plans…
Agents Ryden say efforts were thrown into disarray one month after the last renewal…
They say: “The permission was issued right at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Economic conditions over the following two-year period had been unstable.
“This has presented difficulties and delays for our client in being able to secure a buyer/tenant.
“As we emerge from the pandemic and restrictions have been lifted, economic
conditions in the north-east of Scotland have experienced significant improvement.”
And in a further note of optimism, Ryden adds: “Discussions are at an advanced stage with an operator with a strong interest in taking forward development on the site.
“However, it is unlikely they will be in a position to conclude prior to the expiry of the existing permission.”
More details could be forthcoming should Aberdeenshire Council extend the permission first granted a decade ago.
You can see this week’s plans for yourself using these links:
Church could become antique shop
Macduff flats plan for dilapidated building
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