Plans to transform part of a disused supermarket into a fast-food takeaway have been backed by planners – despite concerns from locals.
The old Co-operative store on Fraserburgh’s Smiddyhill road was abandoned after the firm opened a new, bigger shop in the town.
Members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Banff and Buchan area committee will be urged to approve the plans to house a food outlet in one half of the building when they meet in Banff next week.
Planning officers have received 10 letters of objection from nearby residents who claim opening a takeaway in the middle of the residential patch will entice youngsters into the area during the evenings, causing noise and litter problems, and generate traffic problems.
In a report to go before the committee, planner Timothy Xu states: “We are satisfied that subject to a planning condition, the proposal would be unlikely to create environmental nuisance in terms of noise and odour, and would have no adverse impact on the residential amenity of the neighbouring properties.
“Food safety would be controlled under relevant food hygiene legislation.”
Planners say that three conditions should be attached to the application if it is approved to ensure the fears of residents are not realised.
Four car parking spaces and a turning area must be built, a suitable air extractor system must be installed and a waste management plan must be submitted to the council.
The Co-operative plans to turn the other half of the building into a pharmacy and is seeking approval from the NHS, but would not require planning permission from the council.