Council chiefs have been urged to use legal powers to buy a derelict arcade of “eyesore” Aberdeen shops ahead of a massive development of the area.
Aberdeen Donside MSP Mark McDonald has written to both the city council and Housing Minister Kevin Stewart, who is also the MSP for Aberdeen South, seeking a solution for the shops at Logie – which he described as a “blight” on the area.
The new multi-million pound Haudagain bypass will cut through the Logie area to take pressure off the notorious roundabout – once dubbed the worst in Europe – and a number of homes are being flattened.
In the remaining parcel of land, known as the Haudagain triangle, there are plans for a new housing development.
But fears have been raised that the block of shops will remain following the redevelopment next year leaving a permanent eyesore.
The shops have lain unused for many years and are now covered by graffiti.
Mr McDonald would like the council to use a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to acquire the privately owned building- and then potentially knock it down.
His letter to Mr Stewart queried an article he wrote during his time as a local councillor where he said laws should change to allow action, and asked if such powers were now available.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Planning authorities have powers to issue amenity notices which require property owners to take specified actions to address any adverse effects their property may be causing locally. It is for the relevant planning authority to consider whether such a notice should be issued in any individual case.”
Mr McDonald said last night: “These shops are a real blight on the area, they are an eyesore and there have been many complaints over the years.
“It really is time some action was taken even if that means CPO.”
A council spokesman indicated that the authority would continue to seek new tenants for the site.
He said: “These properties are not owned by Aberdeen City Council and are currently on the market as redevelopment opportunities “
