Controversial plans for a takeaway in a former supermarket have been thrown out by councillors – despite being backed by planners.
The old Co-operative store on Smiddyhill Road, Fraserburgh, was abandoned after the firm opened a bigger shop in the town.
Members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Banff and Buchan area committee discussed the plans for a takeaway in one half of the store yesterday.
Planning officers received 10 letters of objection to the proposals with councillors sharing the views of residents.
Fraserburgh and District member Charles Buchan said: “This whole area of Fraserburgh is very well kept and looked after.
“I feel that a food takeaway could be detrimental to the area – particularly when there is a successful restaurant just yards away.”
However, Banff councillor Ian Gray held the opposite view and argued that the plans should be approved.
Members rejected the application on a vote by eight votes to two.
A spokesman for the Co-op said it would be reviewing its options for the project going forward.
He said: “We are understandably disappointed with the decision, particularly as the case officer recommended our application for approval. We will now take some time to consider our options.”
A separate application has been made by the Co-Operative for the other half of the building to turn it into a pharmacy.
This has been made to the NHS and the project would not require separate planning consent.
A spokeswoman for NHS Grampian said: “The Co-Operative Pharmacy has submitted an application to provide pharmaceutical services at Smiddyhill Road, Fraserburgh.
“The regulations require NHS Board to undertake a formal 60-day consultation with local communities who may be affected when an application is made to open a community pharmacy.”
It is not known whether or not the area committee’s decision yesterday will affect the pharmacy plans.