Plans for a hot food takeaway have cooked up a storm of controversy in an Aberdeenshire village.
Planners have recommended the conversion of the Hilltrek clothing shop in Aboyne into a takeaway, despite objections from the local community.
Neighbouring residents and businesses have highlighted a number of concerns about the proposals, including fears over excess noise, smells, and litter.
The plans have been put forward by Penrith-based applicant Ms Chen Naling, however few other details about the proposals are available.
Others have highlighted the number of other eateries already established in the Deeside village, including the the Huntly Arms, Aboyne Fish and Chips, the Boat Inn and India Gate.
One of the eight objectors to the fast food plans is Mark Ronson, the owner of the Sign of the Black Faced Sheep café and shop located in front of the Hilltrek site.
A strongly-worded letter of objection, penned by Mr Ronson’s legal team from Burness Paull, highlighted that the Black Faced Sheep attracts around 35,000 visitors a year from as far away as France, America and Australia.
The letter continued: “It will have a detrimental impact on the character and amenity of the surrounding area, having regard to increased noise, smells and traffic, it gives rise to serious concerns about road safety, congestion and parking, and the location is unsuitable and inappropriate for the proposed development.”
However, despite the concerns of nearby occupants, planners have recommended councillors grant the plans approval, arguing that it would be an appropriate change of use for the site for Aboyne, and “would not result in a significant adverse amenity impact”.
A report from Aberdeenshire Council’s environmental health team made no objections, and said that mitigation measures proposed for both noise and smells are adequate.
The application will go before the Marr Area Committee next week.