A north-east community has been given more time to help shape the future of a key site within its town.
Council chiefs have delayed the sale of the former Mearns Academy to allow the people of Laurencekirk longer to develop a business case for the site.
The plot has lain empty for more than a year since the new £28million school was opened.
The decision to give residents – who hope to retain the site for community use – another opportunity was agreed on by Aberdeenshire Council’s policy and resources committee at a meeting this week.
The former school, including a leisure centre and playing fields, will now not go on the market until April.
Last night, Laurencekirk Development Trust said they were pleased they had been given more time.
James Stewart, chairman, said: “We have got a vision plan and this gives us a fighting chance to bring this through to fruition.
“We have secured a charette from the Scottish Government and we will use this to demonstrate our plan to the community.”
Chris Ruthridge, chairman of the town’s community council, added: “This is a good decision. What goes on the site affects everyone in Laurencekirk, the playing fields in particular are a great asset.”
Councillor Martin Kitts-Hayes, committee chairman, called on the community to bring forward their ideas.
He said: “We are listening to local views and are very aware that there is a lot of interest and enthusiasm for identifying the best use of the site for the benefit of the community.
“We are keen to give the community an appropriate amount of time to turn their ideas into something that can be delivered and sustained in the long-term.
“It should be based on local need, and identify potential funding streams as part of that process.
“We’re open to their ideas and hope that this delay in marketing the site will give them the time they need to turn their ideas into a robust business case.”