A north-east community council has called for a rethink on a “monstrosity” regeneration plan to refurbish a former police station with rusted steel.
The plans to bring Fraserburgh’s old town house and police office back into use are at the heart of multimillion-pound plans to breathe new life into the town.
As part of the plans, cladding – made out of rusted steel – could be installed at the back of the former police station in Kirk Brae, as a buffer for onlooking properties.
But the designs have met with opposition, and now the local community council has now written to Aberdeenshire Council bosses to encourage a rethink.
The letter, drawn up by secretary George Esslemont – in his last act in the role before quitting in protest to the plans – said: “Fraserburgh Community Council discussed the rusted steel cladding as part of the improvements for the town house and old police station in Fraserburgh at its meeting on Tuesday, August 16.
“It is very strongly against it. The community council is asking you to take steps to remove it from the design.”
An attached copy of the meetings of the meeting says the rusted steel cladding is “ugly, not needed and is waste of money” as well as detracting from the appearance of nearby homes.
The call for a change in design has been echoed by local independent councillor Ian Tait, a vocal critic of the use of the material.
Mr Tait said: “There is a housing estate adjacent which is the subject of many social and crime-related problems.
“My law-abiding constituents there have enough to contend with in their daily lives without having to witness the depressing sight of a massive brown rusted feature every day.”
But the local authority has repeatedly stated that no objections were received during the planning process.
Last night Banff and Buchan area manager Margaret-Jane Cardno said: “The glazing and steel sheeting that have been chosen for the exciting refurbishment of these two very run down buildings will allow some of the original historic buildings
to show through and will maximise the natural light within.
“The design and use of these materials was fully considered as part of the planning process, which included engagement with the local community council, and up until this point there have been no concerns put forward.”
