A north-east building company has claimed proposals to create affordable homes will drastically transform the derelict heart of a north-east village.
Portoy’s former meal mill was demolished in 2009 after locals branded it an “eyesore”.
The property, which stood at Burnside Place, had not been used for more than 20 years before it was torn down.
Now, in an attempt to finally bring the land back into use, Elgin-based developers, Springfield, has submitted proposals to construct 12 affordable flats on the site of the old mill.
The firm previously gained permission for the work in 2010, but progress stalled on the scheme.
It now argues the new venture, which would create the homes near to the village’s local amenities, will provide “a significant regenerative opportunity” for the community.
In a design statement alongside the planning application, a spokesman for Springfield added: “We have adopted the principles of good design and layout which afford good levels of connectivity and accessibility in our developments.
“We consider the proposed development would include good levels of open space and landscaping, high-quality design and contemporary materials giving an overall distinctive ‘sense of place’ and high level of character and amenity sensitive to the conservation area.
“Therefore, we respectfully request that the application be granted.”
No objections to the scheme have yet been made.
At the last time of asking, the development was welcomed by local people, many of whom were concerned at the safety of the old mill.
The local community council claimed the building was “an embarrassment”, particularly during Portsoy’s summer boat festival.
Meanwhile, other local residents labelled it an “eyesore”, aired fears of vermin and highlighted other potential hazards lurking within the site.