A former Aberdeen church should be transformed into the region’s first Hindu temple, council planners have recommended.
Aberdeen Hindu Temple Trust has submitted proposals with the city council for the vacant Old Stoneywood Church.
Their plans will be scrutinised by the local authority’s planning committee on Thursday – with council officers recommending that councillors back them.
The 1840s building in Bankhead Road was converted into offices in the 1990s.
More than 3,500 people living in the north-east identified as Hindu in the 2011 census, but the nearest temple is 70 miles away from the planned Bucksburn site in Dundee.
There would be no changes to the external layout or historical features.
As part of a supporting statement, the applicants wrote: “The temple would be an iconic symbol for Aberdeen City and it would allow individuals of different countries to gather and share a common theme.
“It will be considered to be a ‘place’ where the residents gather together for worship, therefore creating integration for many.
“Our aim is to return the building back to its original use, however with a twist, with not only an aim to integrate the neighbouring residents, but to play a key role in integrating the residents of Aberdeen city and shire.”
A report to councillors recommends they back the scheme, but impose conditions around the likes of noise levels, car and cycle parking.
