North-east councillors have thrown out controversial proposals to build tourist housing at a historyic north-east harbour.
Garmouth-based artist Stuart Matthew wanted to create boat shed and visitor property at Portsoy’s 17th-century refuge.
But the plans attracted 83 letters of representation from members of the public and was also subject of a 171-signature strong petition which opposed the scheme.
Now members of the Banff and Buchan area committee have unanimously voted to refuse planning permission, despite council planners backing the site.
At a meeting in Fraserburgh this morning, Portsoy councillor Ian Gray said he was sick and tired of planning proposals being brought forward for the historic spot.
“Portsoy doesn’t want this and doesn’t need it,” he said.
“Portsoy’s had 33 years of this nonsense and if there’s anything we can do we should do it now. ”
He was backed up by fellow local member Michael Roy who said: “”I don’t understand and find it hard to come to terms with some of the things the planning officers are saying.
“My inbox has been full with people rejecting to this. It would not enhance, but be detrimental to the character of the conservation area. ”
In a report on the scheme, Stephen Archer, the council’s director of infrastructure services, had said the build would be sympathetic to the conservation area’s character.
However the town’s community council also 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.