LDRSResidents have called for Pennan’s conservation status to be removed amid fears the rules make them feel they ‘live in a museum’.
Having the status in place means that villagers have to follow various guidelines if they wish to make upgrades to their homes.
But despite being a conservation area since 1977, there has never been any tailored guidance written especially for Pennan.
Members of the Banff and Buchan area committee recently considered a report on upkeeping the historic coastal village.
The document would help with planning rules for anyone wishing to undertake work or repairs on buildings in Pennan, but it wouldn’t put any “additional burdens” or policies on residents.
It simply gave clarity on why Pennan is designated as a conservation area and outlines planning rules.
A similar report previously went before the committee back in December 2022, but councillors asked that further consultation be carried out with the community first.
In its latest document, Aberdeenshire Council describes Pennan as a “unique and remarkable” fishing village that is “set within a dramatic location”.
It claims the village has “one of the most distinctive and recognisable views in Aberdeenshire”.
The report also mentions Pennan was used as the film set for the 1983 movie Local Hero, which continues to draw movie fans to the village today.
The area appraisal states that uPVC rainwater goods are “not suitable” for conservation areas or listed buildings.
It goes on to suggest they be replaced with cast iron alternatives “in keeping with the character of the historic settlement,” but that isn’t the only modern upgrade to be frowned upon.
Under conservation area guidance, uPVC windows are “not in keeping with the character of the area”.
Meanwhile, oversized box dormers and large roof lights are deemed to be “inappropriate”.
Fixtures such as satellite dishes or solar panels can have a “detrimental effect” on the streetscape, but Pennan doesn’t have any of these.
Even the village’s yellow grit bin has been found to be “not complementary to the character and appearance of the conservation area”.
Pennan resident Alistair Mackenzie attended the virtual meeting to make a case against the village being a conservation area.
He believes that the biggest threat to Pennan is erosion of the nearby cliffs and not modern uPVC windows.
The resident revealed that those who attended a public meeting in June 2024 called for the conservation area status to be removed.
Instead, they want a more “forward-looking, sustainable” plan and residents to be able to choose more affordable repair options.
They also called for the council to put less emphasis on stricter “traditional” guidance.
However, Mr Mackenzie stated that he and his fellow villagers “may have been listened to, but haven’t necessarily been heard”.
He added: “I and many in Pennan do not think we need a conservation area or a plan.
“We don’t want to look backwards and live in a museum, we want to look forward to a sustainable future.
“It is a stark reality that Pennan is likely to be much more threatened by the sea to the north and the cliff to the south than uPVC windows and TV aerials.”
Mr Mackenzie also revealed that Pennan has just eight full-time residents, with the remaining properties being used as second homes or Airbnbs.
Meanwhile, councillors questioned whether Pennan still deserves conservation status.
And they said that the report given to them was not what they had asked for back in 2022.
Members wanted a focused consultation specifically on whether Pennan should remain a conservation area, such as the one recently carried out for Aberchirder.
Councillors also explained that there is uncertainty around ownership of the bankhead, car park, and some green spaces, which undermines claims that the area is being protected.
Pennan resident councillor Glen Reynolds said that bringing this report before consultation was “putting the cart before the horse”.
But council officers made it clear that the status was not up for review as part of this latest report.
They explained that a review would only be needed if an area no longer meets national criteria for being protected, but Pennan still does.
And they believed Historic Environment Scotland would probably object to removing it.
After a lengthy debate, the committee refused the updated plans as they want a full conservation status review first.
They agreed to defer the item until their next meeting, where the council’s head planner, Paul Macari, will attend to answer their concerns.
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