The redevelopment saga of a former north-east car showroom continues as a building firm applies to convert part of the property.
Plans were tabled last year to convert part of the building in Fraserburgh’s Victoria Street into homes, but were criticised by locals who felt it would intrude on their privacy and cause parking chaos.
The showroom, which was formerly used by local business Fraserburgh Car Sales and a Vauxhall dealership, is on the edge of the town centre and has no dedicated parking spaces.
Despite the local concerns, councillors approved the scheme in November.
At the time, the local authority’s director of infrastructure services Stephen Archer said the building – which was once a hotel – had lain empty for “some time”.
He added: “There is no evidence to suggest that redevelopment of these premises would be prejudicial to the commercial interests of the town centre.”
Now a building firm which is currently operating out of the ground floor space has lodged plans with Aberdeenshire Council to formally return the showroom to commercial use.
Local building contractor Andrew May wants to create a builder’s store room and office space.
The creation of three flats on the first floor and two flats at attic level of the building has already been approved.
