Prince Charles has lodged plans to transform an empty Aberdeenshire shop into a bustling local eatery.
A planning application for the temporary change of use for the former Co-op on Ballater’s Netherley Place has been lodged to turn it into a pop-up restaurant and cafe.
The heir to the throne’s name is mentioned on the application to Aberdeenshire Council as the Great Steward of Scotland, with it being made through his Dumfries House Trust.
The Duke of Rothesay aims to aid the Deeside village’s recovery with the proposals following Storm Frank’s floods and the loss of the Royal Station to a fire in 2015.
The new-look building would include a bar and specialise in British food, using local produce, and create jobs for locals.
The front of the building will be revamped with a timber-framed window brought in to replace the existing shutter door, along with a timber sign and door.
Profits from the development would be put towards the charitable works of the trust.
The “pop-up” restaurant would function for two years and would be open from Wednesdays to Sundays.
Architects Halliday Fraser Munro are designing the new eatery.
In a statement the firm said: “In light of the devastation caused by the flooding in Ballater earlier in the year and the effect that this has had on visitor activities, tourism and the local community, the Dumfries House outreach programme is seeking to create a ‘pop-up’ restaurant facility to not only fulfil a section of the market that is currently missing due to the earlier station fire and flooding, but also to provide employment and training within the local community.
“The restaurant would run a small but frequently changing menu of British cuisine using seasonal, local produce and suppliers.
“The conversion of the vacant retail unit into a ‘pop-up restaurant’ will expand Ballater’s food and drink offering, showcasing local produce.
“The restaurant will also provide employment and training for the local community.
“The building is redundant for its original use, and is unlikely to have a commercial or economic future in its current form.”
The building is located within the Ballater Conservation area and will also be scrutinised by the Cairngorm National Park Authority (CNPA).