A decision on plans for 245 flats on the edge of one of Aberdeen’s most famous sites has been delayed again.
The Scottish Government’s reporter has announced it will take an extra month to come to a decision on Carttera’s Rubislaw View proposals.
In June, Aberdeen councillors unanimously rejected the £70 million housing plans for the north side of Rubislaw Quarry, against recommendations from planning officials.
More than 400 people objected to the plans.
As well as hundreds of flats, nine-storeys high at their tallest, the development would include more than 250 car parking spaces, a private gym and function room and a public bistro and promenade overlooking the historic site.
The Canadian developer has since lodged an appeal with the Scottish Government’s planning division, with an outcome expected to be shared yesterday.
But a spokesman confirmed the pandemic had delayed a visit to the former quarry and led to internal staff changes.
He said: “The original reporter to the case, Scott Ferrie, has been appointed acting chief reporter, as Paul Cackette is currently undertaking other duties related to Covid-19.
“As such, it has been necessary to appoint another reporter, David Buylla, to take over the case.
“There were unscheduled delays in carrying out the unaccompanied site inspection due to the Aberdeen lockdown.
“The reporter indicates that he does not expect his decision on this case to be ready for issue until late October or early November.”
This is the second time Carttera has appealed a council rejection of plans for Rubislaw.
In 2019, the reporter did not uphold their appeal when initial plans for 300 homes were turned down.
