The plans by Grampian Housing Association had involved the conversion of the school building on Abergeldie Road – which dates back to 1877 – into 10 homes, with new houses proposed within the school yard, along with 11 flats and the redevelopment of two other buildings to create a further two homes.

Usually Aberdeenshire Council would decide on planning matters but Cairngorms National Park Authority called the application in as it was deemed to be of major significance.

However, despite the park’s planning officers recommending it for approval the committee decided to reject the proposal.

In her report to the planning committee, planning officer Katherine Donnachie outlined her reasons for approving the application.

She said: “This site is particularly well located in terms of access to the facilities and amenities of Ballater and the proposal is an excellent use of a redundant site. To have a Listed Building of architectural and historical importance brought back into productive use is also extremely positive.”

A number of objectors addressed the planning committee – whilst agreeing with the need for affordable housing and the principle of the application – they all expressed their concerns over the proposed access and the density of properties on the site.

Members attended a site visit before the planning committee meeting and after some debate on the issues agreed unanimously to refuse the application on the grounds of access, density, amenity and road safety.

Convener of the CNPA planning committee, Eleanor Mackintosh, added: “The planning committee were positive about many elements of the development but regrettably road safety issues meant that we were unable to approve the application. We are well aware of the need for more affordable housing in Ballater and we very much hope that a proposal for affordable housing comes forward that addresses these concerns.”

Craig Stirrat, director of business development for Grampian Housing Association, said: “While the provision of affordable housing was supported, unfortunately planning permission was refused after the site visit and hearing objections on the basis that site access and amenity were inadequate given the density of the site.

“Obviously we are really disappointed, particularly for those housing applicants who have indicated that Ballater is their first choice of area to live in. We will now have to consider our options in view of this decision.”