Welcome to Planning Ahead – our weekly round-up of the latest proposals lodged across the north-east.
This week we take a look at the work required to complete a long-awaited congestion-busting project in Aberdeen.
The Berryden roadworks have been decades in the making – and have now taken a step forward with permission sought to flatten several buildings standing in the way of progress.
Elsewhere, we reveal that damp and insects have caused £40,000 worth of damage to the roof of a school in the city’s west end.
But first, a stunning office building could be in line for changes…
New tenants want to modernise historic Aberdeen office building
There aren’t many office blocks that could be mistaken for a castle, but the distinctive building on the corner of Aberdeen’s Albyn Terrace could just about fool passersby.
Just opposite Queens Terrace Gardens, the B-listed granite structure dates back to the late 19th century.
It’s notable for its “French influenced design”, with “oversized towers” at the front.
Swedish banking firm Handelsbanken has lodged plans to take over and convert the empty ground floor suite, meaning a move from its premises nearby on Carden Place.
They are seeking permission for a string of internal changes to the historic building.
Heritage Anchor at Aberdeen Beach – sponsored by Handelsbanken pic.twitter.com/yD5pwdrcpR
— Steve Rae (@SteveRae2312) July 16, 2017
The plans specify that the firm will be packing its distinctive Friends of Anchor sculpture for the flit, sponsored during a fundraising drive in 2017 and now outside its front door.
An access ramp and new signs would be installed too.
Council seals plans for new German Doner Kebab in Aberdeen
It’s been another rocky week for Aberdeen’s famous Granite Mile, with the departure of Caffe Nero leaving one more empty premises on Union Street.
But as that unit closed, permission was given for another to open nearby…
German Doner Kebab has now been given the go-ahead to transform the former Molton Brown beauty shop into a new diner selling posh versions of the night-time staple.
It’s been lying empty since 2020.
In March, Planning Ahead described how the chain had changed its plans – abandoning previous blueprints to take over the old Shoe Zone store next to McDonald’s.
A spokesman told us they hope to have it open by the end of this year.
It’ll be good news for the Our Union Street campaign, who still have much work to do to boost the ailing city centre.
Seamstress who turned porch into workplace dies
Meanwhile, changes are proposed at a Braeside Terrace property following the death of a local seamstress.
Dorothy Reynolds was given permission to run her business from her porch in the Mannofield area in 1984.
She passed away after decades of making and mending dresses from her house.
Legal firm Stronachs is now asking the council to revert the use of the porch to “residential” as they seek to sell the property.
Ancient carving has suffered since move to Tillydrone
The 16th century Wallace Tower, also known as Benholm Lodge, was taken down brick by brick and moved from the city centre to Tillydrone in the 1960s.
Over the past few years, plans to resurrect it have been dismantled and pieced back together too…
The Tillydrone Community Development Trust wants to save the historic building from falling into ruin by transforming it into a cafe, community hall and offices.
They’ve had to tweak their blueprints, with concerns raised over some changes to the storied landmark.
Now, fresh plans have been submitted for work on the building controversially shifted to make way for Marks and Spencer 60 years ago.
The Trust has recruited specialist architects to advise on the condition of the “figure of the armed man” (said to be original owner Sir Robert Keith of Benholm) and the armorial panel before they do them up.
Sadly, it seems that the armed figure has been through the wars.
A report from James Roy Associates explains: “This, along with the alcove that he resides in, have been transferred from the original location to the new location.
“It is very possible that, in the course of the work, it suffered some damage as it must be extremely fragile.”
Was soldier’s sword ‘removed by force’?
Photographs indicate the sculpted peer, wearing early 17th century attire, remained in good condition for almost 400 years.
But the report adds: “Examined through binoculars, the following 59 years in its current more exposed location have resulted in significant deterioration.
“The armed man has clearly lost his sword, exposing a rusting piece of metal that was intended to keep it in position.
“It is presumed that the sword was removed by force and has damaged part of the left arm in the process.”
They recommend a specialist survey, which would require scaffolding to be erected around the battle-weary warrior.
A lot of intricate work would be required to restore it.
The nearby armorial panel has “lost detail”, meanwhile, with similar work needed to return it to its former splendour.
Cults rooftop decking proposed
During recent springtime scorchers (well, for Aberdeen anyway) many of us would have loved to have our own secluded spot to soak in the sun.
Adrian Crawford, who lives at Primrosebank Avenue in Cults, is now seeking permission for alterations that will ensure he can enjoy the summer months.
Plans have been lodged to form an extension to accommodate an extra bedroom and “rooftop decking area”.
Internal alterations will also create an open plan kitchen, dining room and living room.
Insect-riddled Aberdeen school roof in urgent need of repair
Plans have been lodged to upgrade the roof of an Aberdeen primary school after experts found evidence it was under “fungal attack” and had been infested by woodborers.
A report sent to the council explains that timbers at Broomhill Primary School were found to be “widely infested” with the common furniture beetle.
And the surveyors aren’t about to let it be, with a “full 30-year guaranteed woodborer eradication treatment” recommended.
Elsewhere, they found other rafters were under “significant attack by wet rot fungus”.
The Richardson and Starling study prices up the upgrades at £39,300.
Responding to the survey, a council report confirms that funding has been allocated to cover the costs – “and ensure the building remains suitable for use”.
The predicament has been blamed on “significant water ingress” at “different locations” in the roof of the 130-year-old building.
Berryden roadworks to surge ahead
Plans to improve the Berryden corridor through Aberdeen to relieve congestion have been in the works for decades.
The stretch between Skene Square and Ashgrove Road will be widened, and a new road leading to the Kittybrewster roundabout will be built behind homes on Great Northern Road.
It will cost tens of millions.
Last year, Planning Ahead explained that firms were already making moves to leave the area in advance of their buildings being flattened to make way for the improved route.
And now a raft of fresh plans have been published by Aberdeen City Council – plotting out the next steps in the project and seeking consent for work in the conservation area.
What’s next in Berryden roadworks plan?
The documents explain that several properties, acquired via compulsory purchase orders, are now to be bulldozed.
Both of the cottages at 1 and 2 Caroline Place are to be torn down.
The front garden wall of 3 Caroline Place will be removed to make way for the expanded road.
An extension and side wall at 6 Caroline Place will be razed to provide extra room at the notorious junction along Hutcheon Street.
Will church designed by Balmoral architect be affected?
The boundary wall of the Rosemount Parish Church – now known as The Father’s House – will be taken down.
But, due to its historic status, the building itself will be left untouched.
It was built between 1875-77 by city architect William Smith.
The 168-170 Hutcheon Street building, on the corner with Berryden Road and familiar to many with its colourfully painted windows, will be knocked down.
Next door, 166 Hutcheon Street will be demolished too.
Along Berryden Road, an unsightly substation left to fall into decay is next on the hit list.
And to make space for a wider road, the former wall for what was then known as the Royal Lunatic Asylum will be taken down too.
Are you keen to see the Berryden plans progress? Let us know in our comments section below
Bill Harrison, from Dyce, wrote to the council to comment on the proposals.
Mr Harrison said he had hoped the idea of “driving a bypass through a conservation area” would have been a thing of the past by now.
But he added: “Sadly, not so far as the Berryden Corridor project is concerned.
“How many kilometres of footpaths and cycleways could be erected for the same cost?”
Read more about the plans here.
Regular readers might be wondering why there aren’t any Aberdeenshire applications in this week’s round-up… Did the Aberdeenshire Council planning website go down or something? Yes, that’s exactly what happened. Sadly this was beyond our control, but we will be back next week with plenty from all corners of the north-east!
You can see this week’s plans for yourself using these links:
German Doner Kebab plans approved
Various Berryden roadworks applications
Conversation