Plans to turn a house next to a chaplaincy into a pub have been unanimously rejected by councillors.
Entrepreneur Juliusz Matraszek, who studies management at Aberdeen University, hoped to open up a pub at 15 High Street, close to the King’s College building.
The authority’s planning committee met yesterday to decide on the scheme to transform the vacant, 18th century, B-listed former home – which has lain vacant for 18 years.
Planning officers had recommended members back the plans, as it was deemed not to breach any planning polcies.
But the application has proved a battlefield in the Old Aberdeen community with a total of 630 representations – 396 in support and 234 against.
Concerns had been expressed that the Catholic chaplaincy next door, which many students use, would be overwhelmed by noise from the drinking establishment.
But supporters argued that the new venture would bring jobs and provide an on-campus outlet for students.
Mr Matraszek had altered the application following the complaints, removing the beer garden element to reduce any potential noise and members heard a full noise assessment had been carried out.
But councillors united to defeat the application – raising concerns about patrons smoking out the front and knock-on effects to the chaplaincy.
Tillydrone, Seaton and Old Aberdeen councillor Alexander McLellan spoke to the committee ahead of the decision.
He said: “Are we considering that the chaplaincy is a place of worship? Is it respectful of the use of the facility?”
Committee member Martin Greig said: “This area has a special character that would be seriously harmed by the presence of a pub.
“There are many residents nearby whose quality of life would be drastically reduced.”
Committee vice-convener Jennifer Stewart added: “To make this unanimous decision shows we are all singing from the same hymn sheet.”
