Change of plans for former Ellon TSB

Plans to convert the former Ellon TSB bank branch into a new restaurant have been withdrawn.

Sava Estates had applied to Aberdeenshire Council seeking approval to transform the vacant Bridge Street building into a diner back in December.

But, developers have now pulled the plug on the proposal.

TSB welcomed customers to its town centre branch for a number of years until it was closed for good last April.

Bank bosses blamed a rise in customers choosing to use online banking for the closure.

In a branch review, it was noted that there had been a 45 per cent decrease in transactions at the bank, with only three customers visiting on a regular basis.

Under the plans, Sava Estates wanted to open up the existing customer and cashier area to maximise the restaurant space.

Three interview rooms were also expected to be removed, making the new seating area even bigger.

Meanwhile, the bank’s former staff room was due to be turned into customer toilets.

Agents Bennett Developments and Consulting argued that the new restaurant would “help to animate the local area” and bring investment to Ellon.

They even claimed that the light from the eatery’s windows would “help reinforce a sense of safety and security and overall wellbeing” during the evenings and darker winter months.

However the plan was met with some opposition.

The council’s environmental health service raised some concerns about the restaurant.

They believed it could create a potential noise nuisance to neighbours living in the flats above.

And, they were worried that odor from the facility could have a negative impact on surrounding properties.

Earlier this week it was confirmed that the application had been withdrawn and will no longer be determined.

But, plans are still in place to potentially turn the former bank’s car park into a car wash.

Last month, Ahmet Dogan lodged a separate proposal with the local authority to start up the business.

While the council’s roads team say there are no issues, Ythan Community Council think otherwise.

They claim the existing lane to the car park is “already too congested and cannot cope with any further vehicular movements” a view reflected by many local residents who also voiced concerns over the location.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.