Councillors hit out as 245-flats plan for Rubislaw Quarry granted on appeal

Councillors in Aberdeen have hit out after a Scottish Government reporter overturned the decision to reject plans for 245 flats at Rubislaw Quarry.

Carterra had its proposals for the nine-storey blocks unanimously turned down by councillors in the city earlier this year.

However, in a decision issued today, the Holyrood reporter - appointed to determine the appeal - wrote: "I find that the proposal complies overall with the development plan and that there are no material considerations that would justify refusing planning permission.

"Also, for the reasons I have set out above, I find that the proposal could reasonably be described as development that would contribute to sustainable development.

"As such, it can draw additional support from SPP (Scottish planning policy). My conclusion is that planning permission should be granted subject to the conditions that the council has requested (with minor changes to improve clarity) to which the appellant has not objected."

Martin Greig, a councillor for Hazlehead and the West End, was among those who moved to refuse permission at a committee meeting earlier in the year.

He said today: "The council has been dealt a harsh blow by overturning our local decision and instead giving the developer the planning permission they wanted. The opposition to this was enormous. It was hard to find anyone in favour.  

"We made a strong and clear case against this development. This reversal is really discouraging and disappointing. Thousands in the city will be regretting this decision. The Scottish Government has simply brushed away the concerns of the council and residents.

"We all came together to oppose this unwelcome proposal for the quarry area. This enormous building will be visually intrusive and overwhelming. The design is completely inappropriate for this sensitive location."

Council co-leader Douglas Lumsden has also hit out: