Welcome to our weekly round-up of the latest planning applications lodged across the north-east.
This week we feature a glimpse into a new Turriff distillery – due to be entirely powered by wind turbines!
Another abandoned office block in Aberdeen is poised to be knocked down after we revealed similar plans last week.
And a business boss has formed plans for an enviable extension at his Bucksburn home, with a swimming pool and cinema room.
First, though, we have a look at how a replacement balcony has caused something of a spat in Royal Deeside…
Ballater balcony bust-up
Harry Henderson applied for permission to replace the “perished” structure at his Gairn Apartment holiday rental on Victoria Road.
Downstairs neighbour, Kenneth Wilkie, insisted that his say-so was needed to remove the existing columns.
Writing to Aberdeenshire Council, he stressed that the applicant did not own “ALL of the land”.
He added: “In fact, land that is not occupied by the existing columns is the property of the ground floor flat.”
He feared the new design could cause “constant dripping” and leave icicles dangling over his doorway in cold weather.
But the council approved the change, having heard about the “rotting” state of the existing balcony.
Huge Banchory development moves forward
Elsewhere in Deeside, plans for two “dower houses” at the £30 million Lucullan luxury resort outside Banchory have been approved.
The pair of eight-bed holiday homes will be just two of 12 such buildings attached to the hotel.
There are also plans to create 95 homes nearby to help fund the plush hotel.
Separate permission was required for these lodges as they are bigger than those previously approved.
A dower house is a large house traditionally used by the widow of a previous estate owner, as the heir to the estate takes over the principal home.
Examples include the royal family’s Clarence House and Frogmore House.
Bigger cafe for truckers to tuck in
It’s usually fry-ups and bacon rolls being demolished at the Altens Lorry Park Cafe...
But now Euan Dunbar has lodged plans to tear down the eatery to make way for a bigger and better replacement.
The building dates back to 1980 and the “major transformation” will make it more environmentally friendly.
Images sent to Aberdeen City Council show how the Hareness Road diner could double in size.
This design image details the transformation:
Minto House demolition
Nearby, the huge Minto House office building could soon be reduced to rubble after failing to attract any new takers.
It is one of several empty units in that area of the Altens industrial estate.
Now, there are plans to flatten the site on Minto Drive to create a new entrance to workshops there – which would be left standing.
The proposal has been submitted by BB Minto Ltd, a company formed at the end of June by engineer Alexander Fyfe and accountant David Walker.
Their exact plans are unclear, but papers sent to Aberdeen City Council state their aims are to demolish the office block, carry out internal alterations to the workshop, form entrance porches and additional car parking, and erect a security fence.
Good news for electric car owners in Dyce
The BP petrol station on Wellheads Road in Dyce is seeking the go-ahead for five electric vehicle chargers.
The infrastructure would be installed to the east of the site, at the junction with Riverview Drive.
The chargers would be just across the road from a former bank earmarked for a tasty makeover as a Dominos pizza take-away.
Johnshaven attraction making eco move
A Johnshaven museum is also moving with the times by becoming more energy efficient.
The Benholm and Johnshaven Heritage Society has been given permission to install an air source heat pump at the Lifeboat House.
The device, a cheaper and more environmentally friendly form of heating, will be attached to the north of the Fore Street venue.
The Lifeboat House dates back to 1891, with many dramatic rescues launched from there in its 30-year lifespan.
Huntly steading the perfect spot for post-Covid family reunions
Deveron Valley Cottages, at Inverkeithny on the outskirts of Huntly, has been given permission to turn old barns into new rental holiday accommodation.
They say the plans for two new rural get-aways will create a one-of-a-kind offering in the area, “where two families can come and stay together”.
#DeveronValleyCottages are situated in the #charming #village of #Inverkeithny near #Huntly.https://t.co/knPnUEPqBZ pic.twitter.com/cGC6Eon1Q7
— We Accept Pets (@WeAcceptPets) August 8, 2016
On the firm’s behalf, Arch Henderson architects say: “Since Britain has been devastated by Covid we are very aware that many people no longer want to travel abroad for their holidays.
Also, many families have been unable to heal those wounds caused by long periods of enforced separation and loss.
They now find themselves unable to have any kind of social reunion as few places are able to accommodate such an arrangement.
Our clients’ proposal holds this idea at its core.”
Ellon shop plans scrapped
Plans to turn an Ellon office into a shop have been withdrawn after facing a backlash.
The 17 Union Street address has been home to the Go Offshore energy services firm, and Lawrence Milne decorators before that.
But it has been on the market now for some time.
Applicant Danny Buckle, who runs the Ellon Market nearby on Station Road, recently submitted plans to transform it into a shop across both floors.
But neighbour Colin Pettit objected due to a lack of parking there – worrying that customers would park on the “already busy” Whisky Brae and Union Street.
A Mr and Mrs McConnachie, who live yards away, also opposed the change.
They too referenced existing parking woes, and said nearby properties would face added pollution and “disruptive traffic”.
After the council’s own roads department called for it to be rejected, Mr Buckle scrapped the plan.
Aberdeen flats finally approved
Developers hoping to turn the former Maberly Street printworks in Aberdeen into flats have finally had the project approved.
Aberdeen Capital Investments previously had plans for the site thrown out in December 2020.
After several attempts, the council finally relented in February – only if environment chiefs at Sepa gave their blessing amid flooding fears.
That appears to have now been secured, with planning permission granted for the development just off George Street.
George Street Community Council previously complained the four-storey block would have an “adverse impact” on surrounding residents.
Businessman’s dream home
A director of a famous family firm is applying for permission to create a stunning extension at his Bucksburn home.
Charles Marshall runs Marshall Trailers, which was started by his namesake dad more than 60 years ago when he was just 18.
Mr Marshall jun now lives in a home next to the plant on the outskirts of Aberdeen.
And he wants to demolish a shed at the property to make way for an extension.
The new addition would feature a garage, home office, swimming pool, exercise room, plant room and garden store.
It would even have its own home cinema.
There would also be some minor alterations to the existing house, to form an open plan kitchen and family room.
The property as it is now:
And this image from Graham Mitchell architects shows how it could change, with the cinema and gym in the circular block:
Developer rolls the dice on Aberdeen flats plan
In the current conditions, anyone entering the Aberdeen property market could be taking a bit of a gamble.
But that hasn’t stopped developers from rolling the dice on turning offices above a casino into 10 new flats.
MK Sipp Trustees has submitted plans for Buchanan House, the former home of Offshore Design Ltd, to the council.
The 9,447sq ft space has been empty for years and failed to attract any interest when offered up as “cost-effective offices”.
Now, plans have been lodged illustrating how former workspace across the first and second floors would be converted into homes.
There would be six with one bedroom, and four two-bedroom flats.
Peterhead church taking over flat for youth group work
Catalyst Vineyard Church, which dates back to the 1980s when it was known as City Church Aberdeen, has seven locations across the north-east.
The body has now been granted permission to extend its Peterhead base on the town’s Windmill Street.
The church will take over a flat next door to use for youth group meetings, and as an office.
Aurora Planning has submitted papers to the local authority.
The documents state: “As well as their weekly services, the church is an active member of the community in many ways.
“This includes Catalyst Youth, which is aimed at young people of P7 to S6 age and meets during Sunday services and on Tuesday evenings for bible reading, worship and prayer, as well as games and an opportunity to socialise.”
This floorplan shows how the flat will be converted:
These meetings usually take place in hired venues, but this application would ensure the children have their own dedicated space.
Do you have any thoughts on this week’s plans? Let us know in our comments section
Turriff distillery vision unveiled
Last November, Aberdeenshire Council approved “innovative” plans for a wind-powered Turriff whisky distillery and visitor centre.
Under the scheme, farm buildings at Yonderton Farm will be transformed.
Both facilities will be powered by energy from wind turbines already on the farm.
And now owner Wilson Strachan has revealed how the site could look.
Documents explain that the previously approved plan has been amended, as the shed will be bigger than first envisaged.
Speaking last November, Banff councillor John Cox welcomed the “innovative approach” to powering the development.
He said: “I think this will be a very important economic contribution to the local area”.
It is anticipated that the new Turriff distillery could create up to 10 new jobs in the local area and help to bring tourists to the region.
The visitor centre will have a café space, tasting rooms and bar while tours will be available to give guests the chance to see how the distillery operates.
You can see this week’s plans for yourself using these links:
Conversation