Asset Transfer of Former Waste Depot, Laurencekirk

We asked

The Laurencekirk Memorial Park Group submitted an Asset Transfer request for a 50-year lease of the former Waste Depot on Johnston Street, Laurencekirk. The proposal involves using the building mainly for storage of the hanging baskets and Christmas lights which are displayed around Laurencekirk. Longer term it is hoped to create a community hub/workshop where members of the community can come together to undertake small projects for the community.

You said

A total of 122 representations were received with 117 supporting the request and 5 objecting. Some of the issues highlighted in the objections related to concerns over noise levels, an increase in traffic and access rights across the car park.

The Council was able to confirm that rights of access would require to be honoured through any transfer of title including the legal servitude rights of access for neighbouring properties. The current use of the building is Class 5 – General Industrial use and the community group would require to apply for a change of use to Class 10 – Non Residential Institutions.

This change will ensure that matters relating to a potential increase in traffic or noise impacts for neighbouring properties will be considered by the Planning Service before permission is granted for any future use of the building and the local community will have a further opportunity to make representation. The Asset Transfer process and the Planning process are completely independent quasi-judicial procedures and must be applied for and determined separately.

All of the documents relating to the Asset Transfer request and public comments can be viewed on the Council’s website - Asset Transfer - former Waste Depot on Johnston Street, Laurencekirk - Aberdeenshire Council.

We will

The Asset Transfer request was considered at the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee on 10 December 2024. Officers recommended reducing the period of the lease to 25 year given the age of the building and charging an annual rent of £250.

The Committee agreed in principle to the proposal but requested that the lease be increased to 30 years to ensure there was no impediment to obtaining grant funding. This change to the Officer recommendation triggered a requirement for the amendment to be approved by a Policy Committee, in line with the Council’s Governance Procedures.

A report was subsequently presented to the Business Services Committee on 6 March 2025 where the proposed lease of 30 years duration was approved. The Council will now conclude the lease with the Memorial Park Group.