A north-east landlord wants to give back to the local community after plans to convert his pub into a hotel were given the go ahead.
Aberdeenshire Council planners had dismissed John Clark’s application to convert the Crown Inn in Turriff into a bar and hotel on the grounds its design did not fit in with surrounding buildings.
But councillors praised Mr Clark’s efforts to boost the town’s economy and sent the designs back to planning chiefs with their approval.
Mr Clark allayed early parking concerns and thanked the members of the Formartine Area Committee for their support.
He said last night: “Obviously we’re really happy with the result and to be moving forwards.
“We never ever intended to park in the Crown Court, that would only ever have been used for disabled access. I think there was an misunderstanding over the parking situation.
“There is a lack of accommodation for tourists and business people in Turriff. I just feel that this is of genuine value to the town.
“We have a lot of local support, we’re a family business and we always try to give back to the community.”
When asked about parking fears last week, a spokesman from The Crown Inn declined to comment and last night Mr Clark explained why.
He said: “We didn’t want to put any slant or bias on the committee.
“I’d like to thank the committee for recognising the uniqueness of the building, and looking on it as a positive benefit to the town.”
During yesterday’s committee meeting, members stressed the economic importance of developments like this in Turriff.
Turriff and District councillor Anne Robertson said: “We attended a site visit and were able to look at the proposal from all angles, and at its potential impact.
“Given the way the proposal has developed, given its value and all other material planning issues, I feel this is acceptable to allow the applicant to grow and sustain his business.”
Coun Robertson’s ward SNP ward colleague, councillor Sandy Duncan, added: “As far as I’m concerned it looks like an improvement on the site.
“Consider that we need the extra bedrooms – there are very few bedrooms to support tourists in Turriff.”
The committee sent the application back to council planners with their approval, on the condition Mr Clark reconsider the external finish to the extension.