Residents in an Aberdeenshire village are fighting plans to turn their last remaining pub into a takeaway.
The Kintore Arms Inn closed its doors in July, leaving locals with nowhere to socialise over a drink.
Cater Corporation Ltd now wants permission to turn the B-listed building into two food units, which could be fast-food outlets or a restaurant.
UPDATE: Councillors vote to reject takeaway plans for the Kintore Arms Inn
But 85 objections have been lodged with Aberdeenshire Council, with residents highlighting the need for the pub to be retained – especially given the planned growth of Kintore.
They claim there is already a lack of amenities in the village, and that a pub was needed to create a vibrant community.
Opponents also say the plans would damage the historical character of the building, which is next to the A-listed town house.
Planning bosses are also recommending the proposals be rejected, as they do not believe enough has been done to prove the use of the building as a hotel is no longer viable.
The property was on the market for 18 months, and a number of offers were received – which the council’s director of infrastructure services, Stephen Archer, says shows there was a “wider interest” which would not result in the closure and subdivision of the building.
In a report to the local authority’s Garioch area committee, Mr Archer says: “Given the town-centre location, it is highly desirable to ensure that the hotel remains as such, not only to retain existing tourism uses but also to ensure that the vitality and viability of the village centre is retained.
“It is not considered to be satisfactory to suggest that the fact the building was put on the market dictates that the business is no longer viable.
“The fact that there was considerable interest in the building when it was on the market would suggest exactly the opposite.”
Planning officers also have concerns about the future of the letting rooms above the hotel, which they feel should be “safeguarded as a tourist facility”.
They do, however, acknowledge there is “some merit” in the argument put forward by the one supporter of the scheme that it would be better to bring the building back into use as an eatery, than leave it lying derelict.
Councillors will consider the plans at their meeting in Inverurie on Tuesday.