Plans to bring a new pub to an Aberdeenshire village have been abandoned by developers.
Permission had been secured to create a replacement for the Irvine Arms in Drumoak – which closed in 2015 – on land to the west of Keithmuir Gardens.
Councillors had given enthusiastic backing to proposals put forward by the Irvine Arms company and granted a renewal of permission in May.
Now, however, it is understood the company has chosen not to progress that plan and the chosen site is being marketed once again.
And commercial property consultancy FG Burnett has suggested the land could be put to community uses other than a pub.
Stonehaven and Lower Deeside councillor Wendy Agnew said: “It is really disappointing that this has happened.
“Hopefully someone will come along and buy the land and think of building a pub on it.
“A place like this would be really important for Drumoak.”
The Irvine Arms company’s permission was for a public house with dining facilities, a function suite and car parking.
The plans also included proposals for a beer garden with outdoor seating and tables as well as staff accommodation.
In its marketing material for the site, FG Burnett describe the benefits of its location, just 10 miles west of Aberdeen and three miles from the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.
They add: “The subject site currently benefits from full planning consent for a commercial development comprising a public house including staff accommodation, car parking and landscaping.
“In terms of the local development plan, the subject site is zoned for community facility use and therefore other uses may be considered as an alternative.”
