A north-east MSP has called for an investigation to be launched into Aberdeen City Council’s conduct in approving the controversial Marischal Square development.
Kevin Stewart, SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, has written to Audit Scotland to ask officers to look into the council’s decision-making process when it allowed Muse Development’s plans for a hotel and retail complex on the Broad Street site.
An SNP motion to scrap the plans was voted down 22-21 in March.
Mr Stewart said: “The Labour-led council’s decision to allow the construction of the Marischal Square development has caused a great deal of controversy in our city and I continue to receive correspondence and enquiries from people who feel that the council has acted against the wishes of Aberdonians and who feel that the entire process was flawed.
“Many of my constituents feel that many of the questions that they have posed remain unanswered and a number of them feel that the only way to get all of the facts is for Audit Scotland to investigate the entire matter.
“I share their view and I have written to Audit Scotland posing the questions that have been asked by constituents and have urged them to undertake a full-scale investigation into all aspects of this matter.
“I do hope that they will agree to my request so that the people of Aberdeen get the full facts about Marischal Square.”
However, last night, Aberdeen City Council stressed the authority had followed “due process” throughout, and said it had provided answers to a range of questions on its website.
A spokeswoman added: “Each stage of the planning process has followed due process and more than 4,000 people participated in three rounds of consultation exhibitions in the city for the Marischal Square development, which will transform one of the key locations in Aberdeen city centre.”