A council decision to protect the conservation status of a historic Buchan village could lead to angry scenes at a meeting this week.
Aberdeenshire Council planners have recommended to local councillors that Old Deer near Mintlaw remains a heritage area.
Currently one of more than 40 such schemes in the north-east, Old Deer’s conservation area status toughens-up planning regulations in an effort to maintain the character of the community.
The small Buchan village has a fascinating history and archaeologists visited Old Deer in September in an effort to uncover the lost Deer Abbey.
In a report to members of the Buchan area committee, the local authority’s infrastructure boss, Stephen Archer, says: “Conservation areas are designated in recognition of their architectural and historic importance, the special character or appearance of which the local authority seeks to preserve or enhance.”
Mr Archer’s recommendation to councillors follows a public consultation on the future of the conservation area.
A number of locals called for the boundaries of the zone – which has strict regulations on residents modernising the exteriors of the homes – to be altered.
However, the planning team felt the case for a change of boundaries was not strong enough.
Mr Archer adds: “The protection of a conservation area does not end with its designation but rather demonstrates the commitment to positive action for safeguarding and enhancing its character and appearance.”
But the vote to safeguard Old Deer’s status will be held only moments before councillors are asked to strip another north-east community of the same protections.
When it emerged that the local authority was considering revoking Port Erroll’s conservation status – which has stood for 40 years – angry locals hastily convened a heritage group to protect their community’s history.
But despite a lengthy public consultation in the fishing community confirming residents are strongly in favour of keeping the conservation zone, council officers have asked councillors to scrap it.
A spokesman for the Port Erroll Heritage Group has described the council’s recommendation as a watershed moment, and claims the village would be the first in the region to have a conservation area revoked.
The futures of both Old Deer and Port Erroll conservation areas will be discussed by members of the Buchan area committee when they meet in Peterhead tomorrow.
A representative of the Port Erroll Heritage Group will formally object to the move during the meeting.