Councillors yesterday reached a compromise over a bid to deliver new affordable houses in a north-east town.
Planners have been eager to push forward with construction of new homes on the site of a former sheltered housing complex in Turriff.
The proposed 12 properties would have eased the demand for council accommodation in the town, where more than 1,000 people are currently waiting.
However, the scheme would also have involved demolishing 14 garages in use by local people.
At yesterday’s meeting of the Formartine area committee, members agreed a compromise deal which involves only knocking down four garages and building a total of 10 new homes.
Councillor Alison Norrie said: “I would be in favour of this option. It’s a compromise – we’re losing two units but it accommodates both affordable housing and the need for garages in Turriff.”
Local member Sandy Duncan agreed. He said: “This looks more promising. Doing away with the garages altogether seems a little unfair.”
And committee chairman Rob Merson added: “I’d agree that it’s a suitable compromise. I think the layout in this option is also more attractive.”
Members agreed to grant planning permission in principle for the new compromise deal.
Erroll Court was the oldest sheltered housing scheme in the local authority’s stock.
Consent to demolish the accommodation did not need prior approval, and permission has already been granted.
The report to the area committee also revealed that since 2010, only three houses have been added to the local authority’s stock locally.
Eight of the garage owners consulted said they were unhappy with the proposal. Three understood the need for demolition and two did not respond. One of the garages was not in use.
Owners will be given 28 days’ notice to clear their belongings from the garages and have been advised that they will be put to the top of the list for others in Turriff.