The man spearheading the Dons’ ambitious bid to build a new £50million stadium has insisted objections from the neighbouring council will not deter the club in their bid to inspire the region.
Aberdeen Football Club wants to build a new home at Kingsford, near Westhill, which includes a 20,000-seat stadium, training pitches, a heritage museum and sports facilities for the local community.
On Thursday, Aberdeenshire councillors – who are consultees to the application but will not make the final decision – voted to object to the scheme over concerns about traffic, transport and the impact on local residents.
But a day on, Dons executive vice-chairman George Yule said his team remain focused on success.
Last night Mr Yule said: “They are a consultee, but no more than a consultee. They’ve given their position and we respect that. It’s a shame but we had no expectations after the Garioch area committee.”
Westhill councillors on the Garioch committee raised objections about the scheme earlier this year, and on Thursday, it was local councillor David Aitchison who used his casting vote as chairman of the planning committee to ensure Aberdeenshire Council objected to the stadium.
Mr Yule stressed: “It has not in any way shape or form affected the outcome which will be decided by Aberdeen City Council. We have work to do – no more or less than when we went into the meeting.”
He claimed the objections faced by the Reds are a result of “not in my backyard” attitudes.
Mr Yule added: “As a region we are trying to get development on the got to compensate, in some way, for the downturn in recent years.
“The stadium is part of the blend of what’s needed in this area for planning for life after oil and gas.”
Public opinion in Westhill has been divided on the proposals. The No Kingsford Stadium group has condemned the project but others in the Westhill for Kingsford argue it will boost the local economy.
Audrey Findlay, acting chairwoman of Westhill and Elrick Community Council said: “We took time to come to the decision of objecting to this application.
“We are not against Aberdeen FC building a new stadium. However this site at Kingsford is not the right site.”
A final decision on the Kingsford stadium planning application will be made by Aberdeen City councillors in June.