Plans to renew the controversial conservation status of a picturesque north-east fishing village will be discussed by councillors early next year.
Aberdeenshire Council recently ran a public consultation on whether or not residents of Port Erroll would like the conservation area regulations – which can restrict planning applications – to be upheld.
Within Cruden Bay, Port Erroll was designated a conservation area in 1975 by Banff and Buchan District Council, because it was “an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”.
The news that the 19th century village could lose its protected status sparked an outcry earlier this year, and the Port Erroll Heritage Group was hastily convened to protect the history of the community.
A unofficial survey, run by the group in tandem with the council consultation, showed there was overwhelming support for retaining the conservation restrictions.
It is understood that the majority of 50 responses received by the group were positive.
But concerns have been raised by some local residents that the conservation area – which has, until now, not been strictly enforced by council planners – could prevent new development of the village.
Last night, David Webster, a trustee of Port Erroll Harbour, said the councillors are facing a difficult decision.
Mr Webster said: “We had a trustees meeting just over a week ago. Whether the conservation area remains the same or there is some change if the councillors wish it, we’re happy that anything we do will go through the appropriate consultation processes.
“What seems to be regrettable is that there have been so many changes to the original properties, some of which have had approval from the council and others which haven’t.”
Mr Webster, who is working with the trustees to secure the economic future of the harbour, added: “There’s a mixture of designs and materials and we would like to try and understand what the council wants to try and retain.”
Port Erroll is one of 41 conservation areas, with others in the region including Gardenstown, Portsoy, Pennan as well as Peterhead’s Buchanhaven neighbourhood.