Dufftown Clock Tower Project – Planning Permission Approved
Dufftown and District Community Association (DDCA) are delighted to share the news that we have finally received planning permission for the Clock Tower Restoration Project which, we have been working towards for quite some time.
When the Clock Tower was switched off in the Summer of 2016, the DDCA quickly took action to find a solution to this problem. It was unacceptable that the most iconic building in the area was left in disrepair without a working clock .After purchasing the Clock Tower from Moray council in 2019 for a £1 under a Community Asset Transfer order the DDCA started to make plans to restore the grade B listed building and develop it into a future community asset.
The DDCA consulted with the community of Dufftown and District to determine the future use of the tower. The most popular plan, that we submitted for planning consideration earlier this year, is to have a flexible community space on the ground floor and the remaining 3 floors will be converted in to a one bedroom bespoke holiday rental which will generate income for the upkeep of the building.
The next stage of the project is to apply for a building warrant, secure funding for the restoration works and to develop ideas around a theme and design for the accommodation.
We hope to be able to start the building work on the Tower towards the end of the year. We have had good responses from local businesses to early enquiries with regards to donating materials for the build and we hope that this will continue with other opportunities for sponsorship to be announced soon.
This project would not be possible without the drive and passion of our Board of Trustees, their vision along with the support of the community has allowed this project to reach this monumental stage.
We are proud of all the work that has gone into this project from former and present Trustees and our previous employee, who did a tremendous amount of work to ensure that this project could become a reality and we will continue to be passionate and determined about the Clock Tower to ensure its completion and future in the heart of Dufftown.
As always please get in touch, great to hear from you- hello@dufftowncommunity.co.uk
