Council officials have reversed plans to earmark a key area of land on the edge of Aberdeen city-centre for a major retail expansion.
Local residents and businesses were consulted earlier this year on proposals for the Denburn and Woolmanhill.
More than four-and-a-half acres were set aside for retail use in an early version of the city’s local development plan.
But in a new document being presented to councillors next week, the area is designated as suitable for a range of options including a hotel, healthcare, residential, office and business use.
The land currently houses the Denburn car park, health centre and the A-listed buildings at Woolmanhill Hospital.
Rosemount and Mile End community council raised concerns during the initial consultation that the existing infrastructure in the area would not be sufficient to cope with a retail development on a par with the Union Square shopping centre.
Chairman Willie Jaffrey said it would have “major traffic consequences” for the already busy area around Rosemount Viaduct, Skene Street and Spa Street.
Rosemount and Midstocket ward councillor Bill Cormie yesterday said the proposals had caused some consternation among the local community.
He said: “When planners first said that 30,000sq ft of retail space was needed in the city centre and the Denburn was flagged up, my eyebrows were raised.
“Never before had that area been identified for that sort of use, and it did cause concern locally. The roads would never cope with that amount of traffic, it would be another Union Square, and it would kill off the shops in Rosemount.”
A council report to be considered by members of the communities, housing and infrastructure committee on Tuesday says: “We no longer propose to take this site forward as an opportunity site for retail development.
“The additional retail space required can be met on more suitable sites within the city centre.”
Other areas that have been identified as suitable for further retail developments are on George Street at Crooked Lane, at Aberdeen Market and on the upper and basement floors of properties from 73-149 Union Street.