Moray campaigners, fighting to save a 19th century landmark in their village, are due to make a last-ditch attempt to save it.
A special meeting of Moray Council’s planning committee is being held next week before councillors make a final decision about the Tennant Arms in Lhanbryde.
Plans to demolish the former Scots-Elizabethan style hotel to build a convenience store attracted 111 objections from members of the public – but none from council departments or organisations consulted by the local authority.
The owner of the derelict pub, Tahir Pervaiz, will be given 15 minutes to make his case to councillors for the building to be bulldozed.
Objectors will then be allowed up to 10 minutes each to plead for the building to be saved before the committee makes its decision.
The pub has been closed since 2014 and has fallen into disrepair.
Fochabers Lhanbryde councillor Sean Morton has been a strong supporter of saving the village icon and has urged locals to use their voice.
He said: “It is very important that people who object to these plans keep up their fight. They have done well to get this hearing next week and it’s vital that councillors hear the views of the community.
“It is a very unpopular proposal with a high number of objectors. It would be awful for this plan to go ahead, losing the old building against the wishes of locals.”
In April, committee members unanimously decided to hold the special meeting after a 500-strong petition was organised.
Concerns about extra traffic in the village have been at the forefront of those against the development. However, planners at the council have recommended the building be demolished.
A report produced for the meeting states that the Tennant Arms is not a listed building, has no special architectural interest and the replacement would fit in with the surrounding area. Car parking spaces and a cash machine are also included in the plans.
The letters of support for the shop highlighted the benefits which improved choice and competition would bring to the village.
