A Peterhead building destroyed in a blaze more than a decade ago could finally be demolished.
Caley Fisheries’ warehouse on James Street was burned to the ground in 2006 and has sat vacant while buildings around it – which were also damaged by the blaze – have been renovated as flats and commercial units.
Architects had branded the shell of the former workshop too unsafe to bring back into use and efforts to unload it onto housing firms for conversion have proved too costly.
Its owners, local firm Fulmor, have now lodged a bid with Aberdeenshire Council to tear down the building’s remains and create a car park which will serve other properties in the area.
The firm, owned by Peterhead FC chairman Roger Morrison and William Fulton, has already been granted planning permission to convert buildings nearby into flats.
The new scheme would create seven parking spaces.
In a letter of support, submitted alongside the application, Fulmor’s agents Michael Gilmour Associates, argued leaving the building as was would be a risk to occupants nearby because of its “perilous” condition.
“The property is deemed to be in a hazardous condition and in need of urgent structural stabilisation and consolidation. Sections of masonry on the head of the west gable at risk of collapse have previously been taken down,” a spokesman added.
“The proposed provision of car parking will greatly benefit the commercial uses on Harbour Street and will add to the activity and regeneration of the area.
“There is currently considerable traffic congestion and lack of parking which the proposed development will also address.”
It would cost £673,000 to bring the building back into use and convert it into six flats.
The costs associated with that work, however, would result in the homes being about £40,000 more expensive to purchase than similarly-sized properties in the area.
Local councillor Alan Buchan has previously praised efforts by the firm to regenerate the harbour.
