Plans for a massive new student housing complex in an Aberdeen community have been officially lodged – despite concerns from residents.
Property management company, Telereal Trillium, is hoping to build accommodation for 425 students at the former BT Telephone Engineering Centre, situated at the city’s Froghall Terrace.
They also plan on building 80 new flats for residents and creating car parking.
A planning application was put forward in 2004 proposing to build around 110 flats on the unused site, but it is understood that permission has now expired.
During consultation with the local community, residents raised concerns about the new development, in particular a lack of student parking space and possible flooding risk.
One resident even said she did not want to live beside a “student campus”.
Nigel Reid, Telereal Trillium’s senior development manager, said they had listened to the concerns and reduced the number of student units.
He said: “The Froghall Terrace proposals present a good opportunity to develop an under-utilised brownfield site in the heart of the city, which is in close proximity to both the University of Aberdeen and Aberdeen College and has good transport links to Robert Gordon University.
“The student proposals can therefore complement the student accommodation currently on offer across the city, while crucially addressing the current shortfall.
“We have listened intently to the feedback received during the public consultation, and where possible adjustments have been made to the proposals.
“We have reduced both the student accommodation and residential numbers, and have ensured that the proximity of the proposed development to current properties is within all guidelines.
“It is also important to note that the student accommodation would be managed by a dedicated and experienced operator.”
Mr Reid added that as part of the application, the developer had submitted a student management plan, which outlines how the accommodation would be managed and how it would meet the needs of the local community and its neighbours.
Planning convener councillor Ramsay Milne said members would make up their mind when the proposal is discussed at an upcoming council meeting.
He said: “Members are aware of the application, however as it is subject to committee approval.
“I cannot comment on this application at the moment. Members will consider it once a report comes forward on it.”