A derelict petrol station in the heart of a north-east town could soon be converted into new homes.
Barbour’s Garage in Fraserburgh has been empty since January last year, when a grocery shop – the last business to use the premises – was forced to close down.
The site has been vacant ever since and has been used by young drivers as a meeting place while completing circuits of the town.
However, plans are now in motion to demolish the remnants of the petrol station on Cross Street and build new, affordable homes to ease the local authority’s housing waiting list.
The proposal has been devised by Grampian Housing Association, which has yet to submit a planning application.
But the port’s councillors are confident the development will have a “positive impact”.
Last night, Ian Tait said he had encouraged the purchase of the land by initiating meetings between Aberdeenshire Council and the land’s former owner.
He added: “This will have a positive impact on the housing waiting lists by providing good quality accommodation.
“It will, of course, require the agreement and cooperation between the council and GHA, who will be the lead partner in this joint effort.
“This major development will be a muchneeded step in reducing the housing waiting list as well as removing an eyesore from the central area of the town.”
His colleague, Brian Topping, vice-chairman of the Buchan area committee which will have a say on any future planning application, added: “That garage has been derelict for some time.
“But housing is something that is much needed within our communities, and Fraserburgh is no different. To have additional housing will be great and will tidy up that whole site.
“Obviously, it will come up for planning and that is another issue – whether the design of it fits in with that part of the town. But the principle of having homes there is a good one.”
