Plans to demolish two homes in a picturesque north-east village and replace them with a modern property are set to test the area’s controversial conservation status.
In January, there were dramatic scenes at a council meeting when residents from Port Erroll made impassioned pleas for councillors to maintain the scenic fishing village’s status.
Despite a recommendation from officers to scrap the protection, members of the Buchan area committee made a surprise u-turn and upheld the status.
However, the protections – which restrict planning applications and alterations to traditional doors and windows – are being tested for the first time.
Old Deer firm Baxter Design has tabled plans to tear down two semi-detached houses in Port Erroll’s Harbour Street, and replace them with a single three-bedroom home.
Planning officers from Aberdeenshire Council have backed the scheme, despite several local objections, but local councillors Tom Malone and Stephen Smith have called for the application to be put to a vote.
In his report to the committee, council infrastructure chief Stephen Archer said: “The main consideration with this application is the significance of the demolition on the character of the Port Erroll Conservation Area.
“The property does not reflect a quality example of a traditional building within the surrounding area and sits dilapidated with inappropriate alterations.
“It is not considered to have a positive contribution to the character or appearance of the Conservation Area, and the removal would enhance and improve the overall area.”
Mr Archer added that the proposed replacement dwelling had been designed in keeping with neighbouring homes in the village, with a slate roof and sash and case windows.
But the demolition and replacement home have sparked local objections.
In a letter to the planning team, neighbour Kevin Dodd said: “These two buildings were among the first built in the street and it could be reasonably expected that the granite frontages remain.
“The granite walls, currently covered with harling, were build over 100 years ago and reflect the heritage of the area.”
Local resident Edward Savage added: “While the design of the structure forming the main part of the house appears to mimic the general style of other houses within Port Erroll, the overall dimensions and footprint of the structure appear to be significantly bigger than the existing structure.”
