Architects have made a bid to the Scottish Government to have a modern home built in a north-east conservation zone.
Glasgow firm Keppie Planning and Development is appealing to government reporters after a scheme to construct a four-bedroom house in Inverallochy was thrown out by councillors last August.
Councillors then felt the property – which would replace a one-and-a-half story building in the fishing village – would not be in keeping with the surrounding properties, and would not add to the character of the conservation area.
Now, in an effort to overrule that decision, Keppie wants the Scottish Government to view the proposed site – and see for itself how the area is changing.
In a letter to reporters, the firm said its reason for appeal was so that they could “view the site in context with the surrounding area” and to view the “many different house types” which now characterise the place.
The firm said the new house would be “sympathetic” with its surroundings, which have been subject to a number of new builds in recent years.
“The introduction of this proposed dwelling will positively add to the already changing character of the area,” it added.
The appeal comes after councillors backed the demolition of an abandoned house in a traditional fishing village in neighbouring Cairnbulg – also part of the conservation area – despite Aberdeenshire Council planners urging for it to be refused.
Local councillor Ian Tait said modern families were not going to be “content” living in ‘but and bens’.
Charles Buchan added: “For a vibrant community we need family houses. I’m not a fan of leaving traditional but and bens sitting there for 30 years, things have got to move forward.”