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Claims ‘pigs better behaved than guests’ in Royal Arch holiday park expansion row and new Aberdeen BMX track

The boss of the Royal Arch Riverside Park at Luthermuir, Bill Mcdonald. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson
The boss of the Royal Arch Riverside Park at Luthermuir, Bill Mcdonald. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

Welcome to Planning Ahead – our weekly round-up of the latest proposals lodged across the north-east.

This week, we delve into expansion plans for the Royal Arch Riverside Park at Fettercairn – which have received a torrent of angry objections from locals.

We also hear from the owner of Macduff’s fishermen’s retreat, at the former Bayview Hotel, who opens up about closing due to the threat of crippling energy costs.

But first, we have fresh plans to breathe new life into one of Aberdeen city centre’s many empty shops…

Takeaway plans for old Aberdeen language school

The 130 Union Street unit is just off the corner with Belmont Street. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

Plans have been lodged to turn the bottom floor of the old International House language school at 130 Union Street into a new takeaway.

Its website states that the school, founded in 2006, has now “permanently closed down”.

The language school is now finito… Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

The building has since been advertised for rent at about £30,000 per year, with offices available on the upper floors.

Now, Kent-based Koinonia Investments Ltd has submitted plans to take over the ground floor and basement area.

There is little detail on the nature of the takeaway, though they say it will sell “fried food” and could open from 2pm to 11pm.

The firm says further detail will emerge if the plans are passed, and a tenant is confirmed to take on the space.

The empty space next door could soon be renewed following recent plans unveiled by Jamieson and Carry. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

New firm moving in to empty Queen’s Road offices

And new owners have been found for a long-vacant office building in Aberdeen’s west end.

The property is one of many old office buildings in the area left lying empty in recent years. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

Offshore supply firm RAM Tubulars Scotland Ltd, which has its HQ at Westhill, wants to take over the grand granite building at 48 Queen’s Road.

It was formerly the home of Burnside, Kemp and Fraser advocates, Henderson Loggie accountants and others.

Some work appears to already be taking place on the exterior of 48 Queens Road. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

Documents sent to the council seek permission for a range of changes, including new signs.

Solar-powered CCTV to tackle bird hide vandalism

NatureScot has come up with a bright idea to tackle vandalism…

The body wants to install two solar-powered CCTV cameras at the Forvie Nature Reserve to cut down on anti-social behaviour.

The Waulkmill bird hide has become a hotspot for hooligans.

In March, the nature body reported that windows normally used by nature enthusiasts enjoying their peaceful pastime had been smashed in by louts.

The Waulkmill bird hide has been targeted by vandals. Image: NatureScot

And in a recent update on the repairs, they stated: “Here’s hoping we won’t need to replace any more windows any time soon though…

“We’ve enough to do here without folk making extra work for us.”

The eco-friendly CCTV would be fixed to 6m poles at strategic spots around the hut.

One camera would tower over the hotspot here. Image: NatureScot
The other would be affixed to a pole at the entrance to the hide here. Image: NatureScot

Derelict Ballater croft could become new house

A long-abandoned croft beside the River Dee could become a new two-bedroom home on the outskirts of Ballater.

Applicant Carol Widdows, who lives in Hastings, has lodged the plans.

Local architects say that, despite being disused for decades, the croft has been “kept in a good state of repair”.

The croft could be revamped into a “modest” home offering views across the Dee Valley. Image: Andrew Keir architects

There are even plans for a “multi-fuel stove”, described as a requirement in rural areas due to severe storms causing power cuts.

Egg shortages? Not here!

Robert Chapman of Farmlay Eggs wants to make sure his firm is able to supply plenty of the much-loved breakfast staples. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

In recent weeks, there have been worrying reports of egg shortages at supermarkets.

Asda started limiting customers to just two boxes at a time, while Lidl set the limit at three amid the crisis caused by soaring feed and energy costs and deadly bird flu outbreaks.

This concept image shows the new plans laid for the site in the north-east countryside.

But Farmlay Eggs, which dates back to 1946, is doing its best to keep going – and produce more than ever before.

The firm has submitted plans for two new 70m by 20m sheds to house free-range hens at its Nether Glasslaw site near New Pitsligo.

Golden Square flats plans progress

The council has now granted permission for changes to the listed building at the corner of South Silver Street and Golden Square. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

Days ago, we revealed that plans to turn Aberdeen’s huge old Ruby House office block into 59 flats have been approved.

The council has also now progressed proposals to convert the nearby 6 Golden Square address into 17 flats.

The building has been in limbo for some time. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

It has been empty since 2014, with a similar application in 2015 failing to materialise.

Under the new scheme from West Coast Estates, the 1821 townhouse facing Golden Square will be turned into eight one and two-bedroom flats.

Another seven would be formed separately in a 1960s rear extension, with two others at roof level.

The building can be seen here behind the statue of the Duke of Gordon, and his seagull friend. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

The council has now given its blessing for changes to the listed building, though overall permission for the project has not yet been granted.

Council paves the way for Investment House scheme too

Elsewhere in the centre, council bosses have cleared the way for the Investment House offices to become 10 flats.

The old office building is just off Union Street. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

The original plans were lodged by Tom Sutherland in 2020.

By that time the 6 Union Row building had lain empty for a decade, and last May the council backed the transformation project.

But a condition was imposed stating that noise-calming measures be put in place before anyone lives there.

Now, fresh studies have been carried out and council officers say they are “satisfied” the scheme can proceed.

There were some interesting discoveries when Investment House was cleared out more than a decade ago. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

Staff from commercial law firm Paull and Williamsons packed up and left Investment House after 100 years in 2008.

While moving, they unearthed sepia-tinged photos of founders James Paull and Alexander Williamson, dating from the late 19th century.

Paull and Williamson’s Wendy Fraser and Pauline Ord with the pictures of Mr Paull and Mr Williamson from the late 1880s. They are pictured here in 2008. Image: DC Thomson

Former Macduff hotel becoming home as owner battles rising bills

A fishermen’s retreat at Macduff Harbour could be turned into a new six-bedroom home – as its owner faces rocketing energy bills.

The 37 Shore Street property was the Bayview Hotel for many years until its closure.

The old Bayview Hotel in 2014. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson

It spent more than 10 years falling into disrepair until couple Jim Perry and Susan Seui moved in.

They eventually turned the old Bayview into a new fishermen’s retreat in 2018, offering a safe haven for people landing thousands of miles away from home.

However, Jim died of cancer last year and Susan is now seeking permission for the change in a desperate effort to keep a roof over her own head.

Bayview owner Jim Perry celebrated by blowing a conch shell when the building was refurbished.

Blueprints show how it currently has nine bedrooms along with an arts store, cinema room, craft room and play area across its three floors.

But Susan told us she now spends most of her time keeping warm in the kitchen, having reluctantly closed the retreat.

And now she plans to turn it into a large home, before eventually letting out two rooms on a bed and breakfast basis.

The 37 Shore Street address was spruced up ahead of the reinvention. Image: Google Maps

‘I would lose my home’

Susan explained: “At the moment I am paying 17p per unit of electricity, but if I stayed as a commercial unit then it would be 87p per unit by January.

“I just can’t stay in business like that…

“Costs would be going from £3,500 a year to £18,000 a year – and I don’t even make that.

“We charged our guests rock-bottom rates, and we hope we can continue that by letting out two rooms as a B&B in the future.

Keeping going, I wouldn’t be able to sustain myself. I’d lose my home.”

The building can be seen here overlooking Macduff Harbour. Image: DC Thomson

Susan is still able to welcome sailors into the home to offer them help with forms, and she is still known to take them to Aberdeen for food shopping when necessary.

Royal Arch Riverside Park expansion plans in doubt after spat

Manager Bill McDonald at the Royal Arch Riverside Park between Laurencekirk and Fettercairn.

Divisive plans to expand the Royal Arch Riverside Park, near Fettercairn, have been withdrawn.

The scheme to enhance the caravan site on the former Dowrieburn piggery split opinion among locals, with 22 letters of support and 25 objections.

Manager Bill McDonald, enjoying the view over the nearby burn from one of the homes.

Monarch Leisure and Park Homes wanted to increase capacity with an extra six chalet pitches, four business units/shops and a spa.

The scheme would also have meant relocating the restaurant and bar while shifting the site office and parking spaces.

On their behalf, LAS Planning explained how the holiday market has changed since the site opened – with growing demand for chalets coupled with the soaring popularity of staycations in the wake of Covid.

They say: “The demand has surpassed the previously consented supply of chalet pitches at Royal Arch Riverside Park.”

Praise for polite pigs as dozens object

But, in her letter of objection, Margaret Gill said an increase in “noisy” holidaymakers would disturb local people and wildlife. 

She also claimed that police had been called to a chalet there to break up a fight, amid “profound profanity and threats of violence”.

She added: “Not the environment I’d want my children living mere metres from.”

This image of the derelict former piggery comers from 2016, before the holiday park was built.

Angie Blake voiced concerns about an increase in traffic, while others said the area’s public transport was too poor to support such an expansion.

And Mr Gray, a “regular visitor” from Cruden Bay, unfavourably compared visitors to the Royal Arch Riverside Park to the pigs who used to live there.

He said: “Yes the eyesore has perhaps gone…

“But guests staying at the holiday park conduct themselves in such an appalling and inconsiderate manner, with no respect for nearby residents or other holidaymakers.

“Nobody should have to endure such unpleasant and unacceptable behaviour.”

The former piggery about a mile from Luthermuir. Image: DC Thomson

He added: “The pigs that were once housed at Dowrieburn Piggery were impeccably well-behaved and you never heard any disturbance from them.

“One could sit outside and actually enjoy the peace and tranquillity of such a beautiful countryside that the Mearns offers.”

Nearby resident Allan Dickson also blasted the “regular excessive noise and disturbances by customers”, citing “loud music, shouting and screaming late at night”.

Looking for that perfect staycation.Our Balmoral lodge sleeps 7 and is set in the Aberdeenshire countryside with…

Posted by Royal Arch Riverside Park, Luxury Lodges for Sale on Saturday, 26 November 2022

Who supported the Royal Arch Riverside Park plans?

Mark Mclean from Bedfordshire implored the council to rubber-stamp the proposal.

He said: “I’ve stayed here twice in the past year, and this holiday park is an absolute credit to the area.”

Elizabeth Kerr from Laurencekirk said the expansion “makes sense”, while Derek Ahern from Aberdeen said it was “lovely, peaceful holiday location”.

Sheree Robb from Montrose added: “This is great for the area, the owner encourages all visitors to visit local shops, bars, restaurants and tourist attractions.

The park is beautiful and well maintained, great to see how it is developing after what was a disused, rundown piggery which was very unattractive for the area.”

The park is named after the nearby landmark in Fettercairn.

Aberdeenshire Council’s economic development department backed the plan too, saying it would “attract further visitors to the area” while creating six new jobs.

Their statement said it would “bring increased economic benefits to the immediate and wider area with additional spend in shops, cafes, and other visitor attractions”.

But weeks later the plans were withdrawn.

The expansion was hailed as a major positive for the region.

Are you for or against the expansion plans? Let us know in our comments section below


Transition Extreme’s BMX track plans

Transition Extreme, a sports charity at Aberdeen beach, will replace a “defective” and “not fit for purpose” bike track with a snazzy modern model.

The Links Road pump track would be “suitable for all ages”, with new grass creating a “soft, safe and natural environment”.

Here’s how the site looks just now. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

So what exactly is a pump track?

It’s a course of bumps and bends suitable for riders of all skills, as well as being a place for enthusiasts to “relax, watch others and socialise”.

Transition Extreme occupies a prominent spot along from the Beach Ballroom. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

Bosses explain: “As their speed and skill increases, they are able to generate speed from
the corners and rollers without pedalling/pushing, which is the overall concept behind a pump track.

“Although riding without pedalling sounds easy, it is physically much more tiring than pedalling alone.”

Here is how bosses envision the new pump track looking.

Images sent to the council show how the scheme has taken inspiration from others across Europe.

Transition Extreme singles out facilities at Lisbon, Bern in Switzerland and sites all over Scotland in planning papers.

This picture sent to the council from Transition Extreme shows the track in Lisbon, Portugal. Image: Transition Extreme

It will be open from Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 10pm, and 9am to 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Transition Extreme expects up to 25 users at any one time, with after-school and evening visits being more popular.

Have a look at the Lisbon track inspiring the scheme:

It comes amid ongoing work at the old Hilton Doubletree hotel adjacent to the sports centre. 

You can see this week’s plans for yourself using these links:

Union Street takeaway

Queens Road offices 

Bird hide CCTV

Derelict Ballater croft could become home

New poultry sheds

Golden Square flats

Investment House plans 

Macduff hotel

Royal Arch Riverside Park expansion thwarted

Transition Extreme

Conversation