Aberdeen FC have been given the go-ahead to proceed with their new £50 million stadium after a judge ruled against objectors who sought to waylay the plans during a judicial review.
The No to Kingsford campaign group raised more than £66,000 to contest Aberdeen City Council’s decision to approve planning permission for the ground and training facilities near Westhill during a judicial review at the Court of Session at the end of January.
The decision of judge, Lord Tyre, was published at noon and the court found in favour of the local authority.
His judgment states: “In my opinion the petitioner has not identified an error of law in the approach of the council that would entitle this court to interfere with its decision to grant planning permission for the proposed development.”
No Kingsford Stadium now has 21 days to appeal the decision.
Aberdeen FC chairman Stewart Milne said: “The outcome of the judicial review is welcome news for the Club, the council and the wider region.
“We’ve already been engaging positively with local residents and community groups who support our plans.
“But, following today’s decision, we will reach out to the whole community, even those who have objected to the plans, so that we can work positively with them to deliver a community sports hub that meets their aspirations, best-in-class football training facilities and, ultimately, a stadium that the whole region can be proud of.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “We note the outcome of the judicial review and welcome the court’s ruling that a robust planning process was followed in determining the application.”
In a statement on its website, NKS said: “We are disappointed with the outcome.
“We will now take time to consider matters with our legal team before deciding on next best steps.
“Meantime we take this opportunity to thank our many supporters, from across the community, who have given their time and financial backing to the No Kingsford Stadium campaign.”
The city council granted planning permission for the stadium and training facilities in April last year.
The decision was challenged by a group called No Kingsford Stadium, who say the council failed to show there were no other available alternatives to the site.
However Lord Tyre at the Court of Session concluded: “In my opinion the petitioner has not identified an error of law in the approach of the council that would entitle this court to interfere with its decision to grant planning permission for the proposed development.”
