An application to convert an old school in Ballater into 24 affordable homes has been approved by members of the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s planning committee, meeting in Nethy Bridge today (Friday 26 April).

The plans by Grampian Housing Association involve the conversion of the school building on Abergeldie Road – which dates back to 1877 – into 10 homes, renovation of the derelict school houses to form two further homes as well as a new build house in the school yard. In addition, two new properties will be built on the site, housing three and eight flats respectively.

A similar application had been turned down by the CNPA Planning Committee in May 2018. This new application sees the number of homes reduced from 26 to 24 with vehicular access now being via Abergeldie Road rather than School Lane as previously planned.

Addressing the planning committee, Planning Officer Katherine Donnachie outlined her reasons for recommending the application for approval. She said: “This site is particularly well located in terms of access to the facilities and amenities of Ballater and the proposal is an excellent use of a redundant site. To have a Listed Building of architectural and historical importance brought back into productive use is also extremely positive. I welcome the changes made from the previous application and believe we have a very good proposal in front of us today.”

Convener of the CNPA Planning Committee, Eleanor Mackintosh commented: “I think our previous concerns around density, vehicular access and parking have been addressed in this new application. As a committee we are happy to support the proposals, especially given that all 24 properties will be affordable, which is something that is greatly needed in Ballater.”

You can read the planning papers in full here.