The application is for outline permission on what the report before today's meeting describes as "an out of centre site within the Fraserburgh settlement."

The Infrastructure Committee have had the application referred to them because it is, in formal planning terms, "a potential departure from the Structure and Local Plans", and therefore must have approval from them before actual development can happen.

Banff and Buchan Councillors have supported the plan to develop the site, on the basis that it involves a minor amount of retail space which would have a minimal effect on the town centre and would bring clear benefit to the town, and also provide parking for Kirkton cemetery.

Council planners oppose the development because of it not complying with various statutory policies and plans, which include "that the proposed Retail Development (Bulky Goods) would have a detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of the town centre which is already recognised as being fragile."

Another contention from planners reads: "and it is found that if the already approved non-food retail development at the Power Jacks site is to be implemented, this proposal would not make any realistic contribution to the Fraserburgh economy.

It would simply be diverting trade from other shops. Any benefit in terms of jobs would therefore be marginal and the vitality and viability of the town centre would be adversely affected."

Unlike the proposed supermarket with filling station development aimed at Watermill Road, the South Harbour Road proposal has not evoked a flurry of letters from the affected community, either in support or against.

But, in their ultimate decision to approve, after something of a roller coaster ride of decision making, local Councillors effectively discounted any ruinous impact on Fraserburgh's town centre.

For the applicant, Esk Properties Ltd, today is likely to be a nailbiting occasion. Especially in light of the long saga of its predecessor application regarding the sale of the site by Power Jacks in the first instance, before the present application began its journey within the somewhat complicated planning process.

A process that will not essentially end today, even with approval from the Infrastructure Councillors because, as the report before the important Committee today points out:

"Should the Infrastructure Services Committee endorse the decision of the Banff and Buchan Area Committee, authority to grant planning permission should be delegated to the Head of Development Management and Building Standards subject to:

a) Formal Consultation with Historic Scotland as this development has the potential to affect the setting of a Scheduled Ancient Monument;

b) Referral to the Scottish Ministers as this application represents a
Significant Departure from the Development Plan", etc.