Hundreds of people packed out a north-east hotel to have their say on Aberdeen FC’s new multimillion-pound stadium last night.
More than 300 people filed into the Holiday Inn at Westhill to discuss the proposed 20,000-seater stadium at nearby Kingsford.
While the new £40million ground and training complex is within city boundaries, a number of Westhill residents are fearful of the impact the new ground might have on their town.
The meeting was organised by the community council. Club representatives had been unable to attend due to other commitments, and while they had offered to attend on alternative dates, the meeting room was unavailable.
A major issue raised by residents was the potential for trouble before and after the games, between rival supporters.
One audience member said: “Hooliganism still exists in football. It’s only because it’s being better policed with technology and resources that it’s not the way it was in the 1970s and 1980s.”
In response, a supporter in attendance said any incidents were extremely rare, to loud jeers.
Another resident asked why the site was being considered when a golf driving range had been rejected by the city council due to light pollution concerns.
She added: “Given that we’re going to potentially have seven flood-lit pitches and a flood-lit stadium, and a seven-storey building, I would consider that to be a bit out of character with the area.”
Residents also raised concerns about two oil pipelines that run underneath the site, and also claimed a new ground would result in severe parking congestion.
Another participant said the stadium could be a major benefit to the town.
George Yule, the club’s vice-chairman, previously said: “It’s right people have a right to an opinion. Ultimately, if we don’t satisfy the planning process, it won’t go ahead.
A public meeting, where formal plans will be displayed, will take place at Pittodrie on November 24.
The club hopes to submit a formal planning application early next month.
