New lease of life for Tomintoul's old school site as houses approved
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A COMMUNITY housing project on the derelict site of Tomintoul's old school has been given the go-ahead.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) approved plans for affordable houses today, saying the development would be in keeping with, and enhance, the character of the village.
The planning application from the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust sought permission to redevelop the former secondary school site to create 12 affordable properties with a mix of homes to buy or rent.
The development includes a range of semi-detached and detached houses, with both single-storey and two-storey dwellings.
Three of the units are proposed as live/work houses, being suitable for use as an office, workshop or studio.
The site, on Tomintoul’s Main Street, has lain derelict since the secondary school closed in 2000.
The old school building was demolished earlier this year. Tomintoul Primary School is located opposite the site on Cults Drive.
Addressing members at the CNPA’s online Planning Committee, planning officer Stephanie Wade said: "This project is fully supported by our policies to deliver new affordable housing within communities.
"The development proposed will provide a mix of tenure with properties available for discounted sale and for social rent, as well as providing live/work flexibility for a number of the units in support of the local economy.
"The design is in keeping with the distinct character of the village and will greatly enhance the main street with this derelict site being brought back into use."
Convener Gaener Rodger added: "I am delighted to be able to support this application for 100 per cent affordable housing in Tomintoul.
"The Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust are to be congratulated on the work they have done in securing funds and now planning permission for this project, which will be of huge benefit to the local community."
