Aberdeen’s fire headquarters could soon be demolished to make way for nearly 100 new homes.
The plans, which have been submitted by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, have been on the table since last year.
If approved, the Anderson Drive headquarters would be bulldozed and up to 90 “high-quality” flats could be built in its place.
The fire service would then sell on the site, with the planning consent, to developers.
Now, councillors are being asked to approve the scheme with the condition that any developer would have to contribute nearly £720,000 to local schools, sports provision and affordable homes in the city.
In addition, the site will have to include 22 affordable units.
There have been a number of objections to the proposals based on concerns over increased traffic, the four-storey height of the development, and motorists using nearby Maryville Park to turn.
The fire service has already outlined its intention to relocate its headquarters to Dyce, due to its proximity to the Aberdeen bypass when it is finished.
Meanwhile, the existing station will remain at its current site.
About 50 people, consisting of senior management and administration staff, who were based at the site have already been relocated to the service’s other facilities at Central and Dyce.
A public consultation event was held last year.
Now a formal planning application in principle has been submitted to Aberdeen City Council.
While the site has space for 90 homes, the final number is still to be confirmed at this stage.
Among the advantages associated with the site include the existing bus services in the area, the site is close to other residential developments, and it can be easily accessed by pedestrians.
The fire and rescue service hopes to sell the land on to developers if it secures permission from the local authority.
As it is a public body, the sale will have to represent best possible value for the taxpayer.