The implementation of road upgrades around a planned five-star private hotel and country club, near an Aberdeen park, could cost the city council nearly £1million.
Last May, councillors voted in favour of granting planning permission in principle for a 200-bedroom hotel, swimming pool, spa, conference space and equestrian centre on land at Hayfield Riding Centre and to the east of Hazledene Road at Hazlehead Road.
Around 250 full-time jobs could be created by the venture, which it is estimated will boost the local economy by up to £10million.
Full planning permission is yet to be granted for the development.
But last night, it was revealed that if the roads at the entrance to the development remain under council control, it could cost £981,000.
Hazlehead, Queens Cross and Ashley councillor Martin Greig wrote to council environmental manager, Steven Shaw, asking about the cost of upgrading the relevant infrastructure network to ‘acceptable’ or ‘adequate’ standard for vehicle movement.
Mr Greig, who has opposed the development since the outset, asked about Hazledene Road, the north/south road from the walled garden to Hayfield stables and adjacent roads and paths.
The civil servant informed him that the cost would be nearly one million pounds.
Last night, Mr Greig said: “Residents are deeply concerned about the possible impact of this hotel on the local area.
“I think their concerns would only deepen when they find they may have to pay so much for the roads around what is a private scheme.
“Council taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill. The loss of money would mean less could be spent on our parks and green spaces.”
The development has also come under fire from environmentalists who fear it could impact on native red squirrels.
But, last night, Hazlehead’s Conservative councillor Ross Thomson said it was important to defer leaping to conclusions until a full planning application had been submitted.
The vice-convener of the finance committee said: “They have not yet been given detailed planning permission, so we are not yet completely sure what is included in the plans.
“Under our current administration, we are seeing record investment into our roads.”
Aberdeen entrepreneur Alan Massie is behind the plans. He could not be contacted for comment, but has previously said the hotel and country club could open by late 2018.
