Empty site banking on pizza

Commerce: RBS could soon be Domino’ s spot

Stonehaven residents still smarting from the loss of their bank branch have been told its place could be filled by a branch of an international pizza chain.

The town’s RBS branch closed its doors last October, but community leaders are hopeful the prominent Market Square unit will not remain empty for long.

Plans were tabled earlier this year to convert the building into a restaurant and takeaway.

And the developers behind the proposals have revealed that should they be given the go-ahead it would house a Domino’s Pizza outlet.

The application will be discussed by Aberdeenshire Council’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee on Tuesday. And although some members of community organisations have questioned the need for another food outlet, they are united in the belief that bringing the building back into use as soon as possible is paramount.

A report by planning officers has recommended the committee backs the proposals, which have been submitted by Bennett Developments And Consulting on behalf of Sava Estates.

The decision on whether they are ultimately approved or rejected lies with the council’s infrastructure services committee.

The report states: “The proposed change of use respects the scale, density, character and amenity of the surrounding area.

“Furthermore, the proposal has also incorporated suitable mitigation against noise and odours, minimal impact on amenity of nearby residential properties and character of the conservation area and there is safe and convenient access for parking and storage and collection of waste for this commercial venture.”

Don Bennett, from the consultancy firm, said the developer was feeling positive about the application going forward.

He said: “We are quite comfortable having read the report which explains the work that has gone into ensuring these proposals work well within Stonehaven town centre. We have been very mindful of it being a conservation area.”

Stonehaven Town Partnership treasurer John Robson said it was important the building not be left empty.

He said: “If the bank has got to go then at least there should be something else in there. We already have a lot of food outlets in the town but it’s better than having an empty shop.”

And Raymond Christie, chairman of the town’s community council, added: “It is better that it is used in the long run.

“Obviously it would be preferable if RBS had stayed because the service we have now is rotten.”

CASHING IN: But Ray Christie says it would have been preferable if the RBS had kept the branch open