Council planners have moved to block proposals to build six flats in a north-east market town.
Architect James Ironside Ltd had tabled plans on behalf of popular Turriff store Celebrations to create the homes at the rear of 28 Main Street.
However, Aberdeenshire’s planners have recommended that councillors block the scheme when they meet next week. The key concern which has been raised is whether there is sufficient space at the site to build the block.
In a report to the Formartine area committee, council infrastructure chief Stephen Archer says: “The development proposed would constitute over-development of the site and would have a significant adverse impact on the amenity of the surrounding area.
“The scale of the development would be overbearing and would have a significant impact on the amenity of the surrounding area and to the development itself.”
The scheme, as proposed, involves a conversion of an old drying green at the rear of the Celebrations store.
The three-storey block would accommodate six apartments, all of them with two bedrooms, shower room, kitchen and living room.
Despite the planning team’s recommendation for refusal for breaching policy, local councillors Sandy Duncan and Anne Robertson called for the development to be put to a vote at committee.
Mr Archer’s report stated that the local members wished to consider the social and economic benefits of the scheme, and to debate whether it was a breach of planning guidance.
In a formal letter to local authority planners, Turriff and District Community Council raised a number of concerns about the scheme.
These included access to the site for construction crews and the emergency services, whether there was space for “12 potential vehicles” once the building was finished, how bins would be collected, and whether “this gap site was an ideal location for six two-bed flats”.
The land is at the heart of Turriff’s “historic centre”, and council archaeologists have requested that – if planning permission is granted – archaeological works be carried out on the site.
The Formartine area committee will meet in Ellon on Tuesday to consider the proposals.
