There were dramatic scenes yesterday as councillors made a U-turn to protect a picturesque fishing village’s conservation status following impassioned pleas from locals.
Aberdeenshire Council’s planners had recommended Port Erroll be stripped of its heritage status after claiming years of development had “eroded the character” of the Buchan coast village.
Conservation status was granted to Port Erroll in 1975 and was intended to restrict planning applications and alterations to traditional doors and windows.
However, the regulations have rarely been enforced in the village.
None the less, members of the local area committee unanimously broke ranks with the local authority and voted to protect the status: a decision which followed two moving speeches by local community leaders.
Michael Rochon, speaking on behalf of the hastily-convened Port Erroll Heritage Group, implored the committee to see sense and protect “the jewel in the crown of the spectacular Buchan coastline”.
Mr Rochon said: “The residents of Port Erroll take great pride in their village and wish to protect what we all feel is a very special place.
“As regards the issues raised in the council report, I think it is fair to say it highlights that we have all taken our eye off the ball here – both council and residents.”
Mr Rochon said the heritage group were well aware of the financial pressures faced by the council and were “not afraid of getting their hands dirty” by helping maintain the character of the village.
He added: “Our group members are only too happy to roll up their sleeves and get on with what can be done.”
Speaking on behalf of Cruden Community Council in defence of conservation, John Ross added: “Port Erroll was a favourite of [Dracula creator] Bram Stoker – would he recognise the area today?
“Although there have been alterations, we feel the area remains unchanged.”
Councillor Stephen Smith, a resident of Cruden Bay, said he was “surprised” when the council moved to rescind the status.
He said: “We’ve heard the clear view of the community that the area should be maintained.”
During yesterday’s Buchan area committee meeting, councillors also agreed to undertake further consultation on changing the boundaries of the Old Deer conservation zone to include Aden Park and Aikey Brae.