As the row over the closure of a private Turriff care home continues, it has emerged that sheltered housing in the town is to be demolished.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Errol Court development is the oldest in the region and was due to be replaced.
However, Turriff residents have raised concerns that the block has been earmarked for affordable housing to help clear a 14,000-strong council house waiting list.
The news comes amid a fierce row over the closure of the nearby Glenesk care home.
In a letter to planning bosses, local resident Annette Stephen said: “If this building is not fit for purpose a replacement building of the same use should be built.
“There is a two to three year waiting list for elderly people in Turriff and surrounding area for this type of accommodation, and Easterfield Road is on the bus route and close to many amenities.”
One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, added: “Yes the building needs to be upgraded but people have no where to go now? There’s an old community in Turriff.”
A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said Errol Court was in need of “significant modernisation”.
“Following a housing needs assessment it was determined that there was current priority for additional mainstream affordable housing in the Turriff area,” he said.
He explained that Dawson Court in Turriff has been redesigned as very sheltered housing, which provides 24-hour care for residents.
The spokesman added: “We will work with the private sector to continue to identify and plan for the future needs of areas across Aberdeenshire.”
Last night councillor Alison Norrie – a local resident and vice-chairwoman of the council’s social work and housing committee – defended the decision to close Errol Court and said it was no longer fit for purpose.
She said: “Turriff is fortunate in what it has got because we now have very sheltered housing.
“Most people want to be in their homes as long as possible.
“As people get older, their needs change and Dawson Court has been upgraded to reflect that.”
Residents of Errol Court moved out late last year while the building awaits demolition.