A derelict block of public toilets in a north-east town could be transformed into a pizza parlour.
Plans have been lodged with Aberdeenshire Council to convert the conveniences in Turriff’s Duff Street into a modern, “attractive” fast food outlet.
The project is being spearheaded by north-east restaurateur Jabir Miah, whose family already owns the Cinnamon eateries in Aberdeen and Turriff.
Last night, Mr Miah said: “Firstly it would be a pizza delivery shop with a small kebab and curry service, in line with what we do at Cinnamon.
“It’s what we call a ‘take and heat’ – it’s a new concept that’s already taking off down south and in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
“The toilet block is a great size and in a great location in Turriff. It’s about using a dead landscape and making it attractive.”
The local authority has already received two objections to the scheme – one from a neighbour and another from a local business owner.
Dorothy Forbes, who lives with her husband in the adjacent house, said: “People congregating outside this outlet would be a hazard for the public and drivers alike. Not to mention the mess which can be left in the streets outside such outlets.”
She added that there was already an issue with cars double-parking in the area, a situation she likened to “dodgems at the carnival”.
Ian Whyte, who owns a nearby fish and chip shop, said: “I am very concerned about the proposed business getting planning permission as the parking is very restricted on this already very busy road.
“I am aware that there is a car park not too far away but as I am the owner of the chip shop I know from experience that people do not like to walk very far and that as a result on many an occasion we have customers that get moved on from outside our shop, or worse still get a £100 fine and three points for illegal parking.”
Mr Miah said that his preliminary discussions with council planners had been positive, and that he would work to overcome the objections.