Plans to demolish an Ellon eyesore to make way for a block of flats have been unexpectedly rejected by councillors.
Developers had been seeking permission to knock down a derelict petrol station on the B9005 road linking the north-east town to the A90 to make way for 16 apartments.
The project had won the approval of Aberdeenshire Council planning bosses and all that was left was for members of the Formartine area committee to sign it off yesterday.
But the proposal was blocked by councillors, who labelled it a “gross overdevelopment”.
SNP councillor for Ellon and District, Richard Thomson, said: “I completely understand the developer trying to maximise the site, but I think this constitutes an overdevelopment.
“I get the impression of a monolithic development plonked on the site which isn’t sympathetic to the area.”
His SNP colleague and chairman of the committee, councillor Rob Merson, said: “I think this is a gross overdevelopment of this site
“Having this building when you come into Ellon will be completely overwhelming to the vista.”
Despite receiving 20 valid objections to the proposals, Aberdeenshire Council planning chiefs had recommended granting approval because it was in line with planning policy.
Members of the public expressed concerns about the scale and design of the flats, the visual impact as well as issues of parking and road access.
Their concerns were shared by Conservative councillor Gillian Owen. She said: “As you drive into Ellon and see the state of the petrol station it’s completely disgraceful.
“There is no question Ellon needs housing, and housing is always welcome, but not at any cost.
“Once the new Ellon Academy moves down the road to the new site the traffic is going to be absolutely horrific and these 16 flats could mean as many as 32 new cars on that road.”
Liberal Democract councilllor for the area, Isobel Davidson, echoed the concerns of her SNP and Conservative colleagues.
“The current site is unsightly but this isn’t the answer,” she added.
The Regency Oils petrol station shut its pumps in October 2011.