Work is to commence on a new housing development in Banff, Aberdeenshire, the local authority has announced.

The site in question has been derelict for 25 years, but will now be transformed under the 44-week programme.

As a result of the work, the council has said that Carmelite Street needs to close to traffic for three weeks. Diversions will be in place via Bridge Street and additional road closures may be needed at a later stage. In addition, during the remainder of the construction period, there will be single lane traffic management in place on Carmelite Street, while part of High Shore – between Carmelite Street and Water Path – will become a one-way route, northwards only. The car parking spaces at the Market Close will also be out of use in order to allow the contractors to store construction materials. However, pedestrian access out onto High Shore and vehicular access to the garages at the rear of the car park will be maintained.


Aberdeenshire Council's Head of Property, Allan Whyte, said: "I'm delighted [the] development of this well-known gap site has finally started as it marks an important milestone in the regeneration of Banff.

"There will be road closures predominantly in the first three weeks to safeguard the works on site. We appreciate this will cause some disruption and would thank residents and motorists for their patience as this project moves forward."

(JP/CD)