Plans to add nearly 40 bedrooms to an Aberdeenshire hotel will be discussed by councillors next week.
EDC Hotels want to expand the Holiday Inn at Westhill, by building a three-storey accommodation block on top of the existing public bar.
But the proposals – which would create another 39 bedrooms – have sparked concerns from local residents about overshadowing and a lack of privacy.
Concerns have also been raised that adding just 12 more spaces to the car park will not be adequate, and may lead to parking problems in the surrounding Kinmundy Avenue area.
Tourism and business bosses are urging members of the Garioch area committee to back the plans, and say it would go someway to addressing the shortage of hotel rooms in the north-east.
Robert Collier, chief executive of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, wrote in his letter of support: “It is our view that this proposal would make a useful contribution to the increase in beds which is required over the next few years to meet demand.
“The additional rooms at the hotel will also play an important role in servicing the visitors to neighbouring business locations in Westhill and Kingswells, an area in which, to date, has limited hotel capacity. As business parks in the area grow, additional hotel room provision will help limit the amount of travel that is needed for people going between their hotel and workplace.”
Planning officers have recommended the scheme for approval, after considering sundial diagrams and a parking study which indicated the impact of the development would be minimal.
They are also satisfied with the developer’s plans to obscure glazing on the stairs and angle the windows to prevent overlooking.
Stephen Archer, director of infrastructure services, said that having balanced the residents’ concerns and the benefits of the extension, there was “no reason” why the plans should be refused.
He added: “This proposal is significant for the Holiday Inn, the local community and some businesses. The addition of 39 new bedrooms is clearly supported by organisations and bodies with an eye on increasing tourism.”
The proposals will be discussed by councillors at their meeting in Inverurie on Tuesday.