Mearns residents hoping for a first chance to occupy a new complex of rental homes have been dealt a blow.
Residents in Marykirk are protesting at a plan to build 23 rental homes after discovering there would be no preference given to local people as tenants.
A plan for 15 houses and eight flats has been submitted by the Aberdeen-based Tenants First Housing Co-operative for Marykirk, but the villagers have been told the properties would be allocated according to the firm’s own points system and locals would not be given priority.
“That has really upset a lot of people,” said resident Chris Rushbridge, a representative on the local community council.
“Local people had been expecting anything built on that land to be for their benefit.”
The site was originally the glebe and belonged to the Church of Scotland, who some years ago sold it to the local authority.
Six council houses were built and a number of others were expected to be added.
However, Aberdeenshire Council subsequently sold the remaining land.
“The villagers have always believed this land was intended to provide rental homes for local people,” said Mr Rushbridge.
“But apparently it now transpires there were no conditions ever attached to the land sale.
“If this development goes ahead it is quite possible that no local people would get a house at all.”
Villagers are also concerned that the increase in population will swamp existing facilities and ruin the character of the community.
“On the assumption of three people per household, the population of Marykirk (around 280) could jump by 25% with this development alone,” said Mr Rushbridge.
The developers are seeking another meeting to discuss villagers’ issues but a date has yet to be set.