Plans to convert a public toilet block into a hot food takeaway could be set to return if they pass Scottish Government standards.
Turriff residents have been fighting against the controversial scheme for more than a year and were thought to have won a reprieve last month when approval was granted to demolish the block in favour of a house.
But any celebrations now look to have been premature.
Perth-based architecture firm Interurban Developments Ltd has appealed the local authority’s decision to refuse its takeaway on Duff Street with the Scottish Government.
Government officers will now inspect details of the site before passing judgement on whether or not Aberdeenshire Council can justifiably block the development of the toilets into an eatery.
Last night, the status of the case was not yet ready to be allocated to a reporter.
The process, however, is expected to be complete by Christmas.
Serious concerns had been raised about the impact converting the toilets into a takeaway would have on road safety and neighbouring residents at previous meetings of the Formartine area committee.
The scheme met with a flurry of local objections, but no objections were lodged in respect of the house.