Controversial plans for a new student flats development in Aberdeen’s city centre were narrowly approved at the council’s planning committee yesterday.
Councillors voted to demolish the former car parts garage on 455 George Street to make way for a five-storey student block comprising 121 studio flats and a rooftop garden.
The proposal received six letters of objection from the George Street community, with concerns ranging from the height of the building over shadowing neighbouring flats, noise and dust from the construction process to the garden encouraging all-night student parties and attracting gulls.
There were also concerns about a lack of parking.
But officers recommended approval, citing a number of extra conditions for the developers including providing cycle storage and landscaping work.
A report to committee read: “The redevelopment of the site for student accommodation is considered to be a suitable use compatible with neighbouring land uses and is designed, sited and serviced in a way that would maintain the amenity of the surrounding area.”
And yesterday an evenly divided planning committee were forced to use the convener’s casting vote after they voted eight-eight on the development.
George Street councillor Michael Hutchison said he felt the fact there would be just two parking spaces for the development warranted refusal.
He said: “Students come here and sign their leases but often don’t know what will happen when they start the lives.
“Many have placements that they have to drive to.”
Kincorth, Nigg and Cove councillor Neil Cooney agreed, and said it was a “square peg in a round hole” and an “ugly development” that would impact on the lives of local residents.
But convener Ramsay Milne moved that the development be given the green light, arguing the area was well serviced by transport links meaning students would not require cars.
He was backed by Torry and Ferryhill councillor Alan Donnelly who called the current building “an ugly eyesore” adding: “I’m sick to death of the demonisation of students in this city… students are here to study, not to cause nuisance all night.”
