Flat plans rejected for former Bank premises

Plans to convert the former Royal Bank of Scotland premises in Turriff into new homes have been rejected by council planners.

The proposals to transform the High Street premises were lodged in January by agents Mantell Ritchie acting on behalf of local businessman Eddie Morrison.

Following its closure in 2018 the property has seen several previous applications including an attempt by developers Sava Estates to turn the bank into a cafe.

This itself followed the withdrawal of plans which had previously sought by Sava to turn the premises into a takeaway which had attracted oppositions from neighbours.

The bank shut its doors as part of a series of nationwide closures by the lender, who blamed a dropped in customers for the move.

In their statement of refusal, planners said: “The Planning Authority considers that the application is for a development that is not in accordance with the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2017.

“The proposed change of use would result in the loss of a Class 1, 2 or potential Class 3 use within the defined town centre of Turriff.

“There is insufficient evidence that the premises have been marketed for all three potential uses over a sustained period in order to justify its loss to a sui generis use.

“The proposed use would not generate or support the vitality and viability of the town centre. “

The proposed layout was also considered as grounds for refusal due to adverse impact on the residential amenity of future occupants because of the proximity of the High Street to the windows in the main habitable rooms because of potential noise disturbance late at night and early morning.

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