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Aberdeenshire Council backs controversial Portsoy housing application

Portsoy
Portsoy

Aberdeenshire Council has backed a controversial proposal to build a new property at a historic north-east harbour.

Garmouth-based artist Stuart Matthew wants to create a boat shed and tourist accommodation in Portsoy’s 17th century refuge.

The controversial application, which attracted 83 letters of representation from members of the public, was also the subject of a 171-signature strong petition which opposed the project going ahead.

Local councillors will now decide the fate of the scheme on Tuesday, but have been urged by their own officials to consider approving it.

In a report on the scheme, Stephen Archer, the council’s director of infrastructure services, says the build would be sympathetic to the conservation area’s character.

“It would preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the Portsoy conservation area, and would not have an adverse impact on the amenity of the surrounding area,” he adds.

“Given that the settlement is a popular tourist destination, the planning service is of the view that the proposed self-catering accommodation combined with a boat shed would further diversify the types of tourist accommodation available in this settlement.

“it could positively promote Portsoy to be a more attractive place to visit.”

The town’s community council has objected to the proposal, claiming the building would be out of character and detrimental to the unique history of the harbour.

Concerns raised by members of the public include the impact it would have on the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, which the port hosts every year, and the loss of sea views.

The proposal is identical to a 2010 planning application submitted by Mr Matthew.

It was rejected in 2012 by the Banff and Buchan area committee over concerns that it would be detrimental to the conservation area and that it would adversely affect the architecture of the historic harbour.

Portsoy is currently being used as a location for a remake of comedy film Whisky Galore.