Welcome to Planning Ahead – our weekly round-up of the latest proposals lodged across the north-east.
This week’s instalment comes the morning after the biggest night of the Hollywood calendar – with the glittering Oscars ceremony dominating headlines overnight.
When it comes to planning applications, we cover everything, everywhere, all at once in our regular Monday round-up.
And it’s anything but quiet on the western Aberdeenshire front – with a row continuing to rage over plans for a new retail park at Banchory.
Meanwhile, an inflatable roof could soon cover coastal Stonehaven tennis courts – which should stop errant serves going the way of water.
But as Austin Butler might say in the Elvis biopic, let’s have a little less conversation and a little more action…
Modern mansion planned at Cults
First off, we have plans for a huge new home on the outskirts of Aberdeen.
The plans have been lodged by Ardna Ltd for land next to 360 North Deeside Road, which is currently on the market for £550,000.
The huge house would occupy a “generous corner plot” at the junction between North Deeside Road and Kirk Brae – just opposite the Sainsbury’s in Cults.
Blueprints show there would be an accessible shower, bedroom/study and large living and dining space on the ground floor.
There would also be a games area that could double as a home bar or even an office for a “small business supporting local economy”.
Upstairs, there would be four more bedrooms, one with its own balcony, and an “upper living area”.
Ardna is run by Israeli Sameh Assady, who lives nearby on Hilltop Road.
He says the design for the five-bedroom home “reflects modern family needs”, and has been created to minimise energy use.
Solar panels for King Street bus depot
Elsewhere in Aberdeen, First Bus is continuing plans to boost its eco credentials.
Last year, the coach firm sparked controversy with plans to electrify its fleet – leaving King Street neighbours worried about a “loud hum” keeping them awake at night as batteries are charged.
But after months of friction, the plans were approved in January.
And proposed solar panels are intended to produce energy to help power the buses.
Bosses hail the plans as “an excellent opportunity for green energy generation” that will “offset reliance” on electricity from the grid.
Plans forged as Portlethen Sports Club expands
Portlethen Sports Club has been honing youngsters’ football skills in the Aberdeenshire town for more than 30 years.
Now, with more and more kids taking part – and the formation of a team for children with additional support needs – plans have been lodged for new 20ft storage containers.
Papers sent to the council explain that the current ones are “very old now and need to be replaced”.
Club development co-ordinator Paul MacLean adds: “Each age group is becoming bigger each year, because of this we require more training equipment.
“The coaches/managers of the teams are having to store a lot of equipment at home.”
It also means that expensive goalposts are being “left exposed to the elements” as things stand.
Stonehaven tennis club serving up plans for inflatable roof
A few miles along the Mearns coastline, another sports group is piecing together improvements…
Stonehaven Tennis Club is seeking permission for an “air-supported structure” to cover the courts down by the coastal recreation grounds.
Wondering what an “air-supported structure” is?
It means the courts will be covered with a pliable material that balloons into a perfectly serviceable roof when inflated.
It would mean no more risk of games being rained off for the area’s aspiring Andy Murrays…
But players will just be hoping the town’s menacing seagulls don’t take too much of an interest in the new roof…
Gardenstown balcony to offer views over horizon
George West, listed as a director of Gulfridge Energy, has lodged plans for a new balcony overlooking the Moray Firth from his Gardenstown home.
These computer generated images from Baxter Design show how the enviable addition would look:
Historic tower house to get Craigievar Castle-inspired pink makeover
Mains of Hallhead House dates back to 1668, and was once owned by members of Clan Gordon.
The former laird’s house is A-listed by Historic Environment Scotland, and sits seven miles away from Alford at Leochel-Cushnie.
And in September 2020, it went on the market for £420,000.
The tower house has three bedrooms, two reception rooms, a traditional winding stone staircase and retains many original features such as fireplaces.
It’s set in 8.45 acres of land, and has its own steading.
Now, new owner Peggy Crossman has formed plans to upgrade the exterior of her 400-year-old abode…
And inspired by the nearby Craigievar Castle, she is thinking pink…
She says the choice of colour would be “in keeping with local properties”, taking “particular cues” from the visitor attraction.
The owner adds: “The colour will be a light shade of pink, colour matched to the chosen shade to replicate the authentic light pink of Craigievar Castle.”
It comes as major works to restore the nearby landmark’s famous pink hue are taking place.
Ms Crossman is also seeking permission for a new gate and fencing.
What’s the latest with Banchory retail park plans?
Divisive proposals for a new retail park on the outskirts of Banchory were lodged with Aberdeenshire Council in January.
Some welcomed the prospect of an M&S Food store, Lidl, Home Bargains, garden centre and Starbucks drive-thru in the Deeside community.
But others warned it could hammer town centre traders.
Now the council’s independent retail consultant, Edinburgh-based Roderick MacLean Associates, has been drafted in to examine the situation…
The firm weighs up a variety of factors across a 23-page report, but concludes that the retail park “would not threaten” shops in the centre of Banchory.
Impact on town centre could be ‘low’
In fact, they say it would “enhance the choice and quality of the convenience offer in Banchory” while reducing the need for locals to travel elsewhere for their groceries.
The report states: “The estimated level of impact on Banchory town centre is 13% which we consider to be low/medium.
“Therefore it’s not a material threat to the vitality and viability of the town centre.”
And what about the effect on supermarkets?
What’s more, they say initial estimates of the impact on the nearby Tesco and Morrisons are over the odds…
Ryden, working for developers Hill of Banchory Estates, said Tesco would lose 35% of its trade, equating to £7.3 million every year.
And they predicted Morrisons would see profits tumble by 30%; a loss of £6.26 million.
But Roderick MacLean Associates say it is supermarkets elsewhere, such as in Westhill, that are more likely to suffer.
The report concludes: “The impacts on Tesco and Morrisons in Banchory are estimated to be 16% each, which is a medium level.
“The retail impact on Westhill would be 18% which is fairly high, but would not threaten the stores mentioned (Tesco, Costco, M&S and Aldi) because they are major national operators.”
Meanwhile, some opponents also say new Scottish Government planning rules designed to protect the environment could scupper the major scheme.
German Doner Kebab switches Union Street plans
German Doner Kebab has switched up its Aberdeen plans – after bosses surrendered the site they had their eye on to a new pound shop…
The chain, which specialises in “gourmet” versions of the boozy-night-out staple, set its sights on a Granite City location in 2021.
By the end of that year, the council had rubber-stamped proposals to transform the former Shoe Zone shop into a local branch.
But in the last few weeks, that 111-115 Union Street address has been brought back to life as the city centre’s newest pound shop – causing some concern among kebab fans…
But they can now breathe a sigh of relief.
German Doner Kebab has instead submitted new plans for the former Molton Brown beauty shop just across the road.
Molton Brown closed in the summer of 2020.
In the months afterwards, building owners Milverton Properties applied to the local authority to change its use from retail to food and drink.
They said this would provide “flexibility” when it came to finding a new occupier.
Now, three years on, German Doner Kebab has lodged plans for the unit… And a spokesman told us they hope to have it open by the end of this year.
Garthdee Parish Church site could be turned into homes
After decades at the heart of its Aberdeen community, Garthdee Parish Church closed its doors for the final time in 2020.
Despite local protests, it was demolished by the Church of Scotland the following year.
Religious leaders claimed the move was necessary as the empty building was becoming a target for vandals.
The body’s Reverend Ian Murray has now lodged plans to build 10 homes on the land left behind.
Watch our exclusive drone footage of the site here:
Architects Aurora say the site at 27 Ramsey Gardens has the potential for a “high quality” development.
Though the plans are only in their early stages, they say there could be detached and semi-detached properties.
Aurora add: “The site now predominantly comprises bare earth where the building was previously located, with some rough grass around this.”
But neighbours aren’t all happy…
What are locals saying about homes on Garthdee Parish Church land?
Neil Mackie, of Inchbrae Drive, says the area is already “over-stretched”, with schools suffering.
His objection to the council states: “I work in a school that is constantly receiving children who should go to Kaimhill, but as Kaimhill is full the families need to travel further.
“I find it impossible to get an appointment at Garthdee Medical Group without trying several times.
“The parking situation with all the RGU students and residents is a nightmare.”
Garthdee Parish Church homes plan slammed
Pippa Smith is also fighting the scheme.
She said: “There are already huge strains on local amenities.
“Local infrastructure cannot support more kids in the school, and more people at the GP surgery.”
Christine Bruce said: “Garthdee at the moment is not equipped for more housing for families.
“Would be better being housing for elderly or even a care home with car park.”
With time running out for Garthdee Parish Church, it hosted one of its most unusual ceremonies in 2018…
Owner Lisa Watt trotted her 25-year-old horse Ollie down the aisle to be blessed “before it was too late” for him and the building.
Do you think the homes would be good for Garthdee? Let us know in our comments section below
EIGHT-STOREY block of Aberdeen city centre flats could be on the way
Last week, Planning Ahead revealed proposals to transform old offices on Union Street into a block of 25 flats.
And now, just yards away along the Granite Mile, developers Landhold Properties want to build an “elegant” 21-flat block – across eight floors.
It would be erected to the rear of the Amicable House offices at 250/252 Union Street, facing onto Union Row.
Architects Aurora say the building would create “much needed city centre living accommodation”.
The site is used as a 28-space car park for upper floor offices at Amicable House.
But Aurora say there is no need for them these days, with that representing “an inefficient and unsustainable use of this land”.
But would it be too tall?
Aurora reference the nearby Capitol (10 storeys) and Silver Fin (11 storeys) buildings in suggesting the height of the flats wouldn’t be an issue.
They also insist it will boost footfall to the struggling city centre, with a planned roof garden an especially “attractive” feature.
There would be a pair of two-bedroom flats and one single-bed flat across seven storeys, all with their own balconies.
With a minimal number of parking spaces, residents would be presented with their own “travel packs” pointing out nearby cycle routes and public transport options.
And heritage consultants have backed the plans, saying the “utilitarian and unappealing” car park would be no great loss.
You can see this week’s plans for yourself using these links:
Portlethen Sports Club containers
Pink makeover for 17th century tower house
German Doner Kebab changes plans
Garthdee Parish Church homes proposal
Conversation