David McKay
Planners in Aberdeen have recommended approval of a multimillion-pound country club development at Hazlehead.
Councillors will consider the application for the 200-bedroom hotel, spa and swimming pool complex with conference facilities and an equestrian centre at a meeting on Wednesday.
Local businessman Alan Massie is behind the scheme, and believes the £40million investment in the project could generate 250 full-time equivalent jobs and millions of pounds in visitor spending every year.
The site covers the Hayfield Riding Centre, along with fields to the east side of Hazledene Road at Hazlehead Park.
The council’s head of planning, Margaret Bochel, has recommended approval of the proposal, subject to a number of conditions, altho it would have to be referred to Scottish ministers as it does not comply with green belt policy.
A pre-determination hearing was held in November to allow residents and members of Craigiebuckler and Seafield Community Council to have their say.
Since then, plans for holiday chalets have been and the golf club house have been removed and the proposed hotel and conference facilities have been reduced in size.
An economic assessment submitted on behalf of Mr Massie has suggested visitor spending could be in the region of £3.8-4.8million a year.
However, an analysis by the council’s economic development department argued the net economic impact “is not articulated” and could be lower than predicted.
The local authority’s roads department has said that pedestrian and cycle access between the development and local roads would be “poor”.
The roads team has also argued a barrier system for private cars is “essential” to avoid “rat running” through the development.
Increased traffic caused by the country club is not expected to have a significant impact on the local road network, but could cause “inconvenience and safety concerns” for pedestrians and cyclists.
Concerns have also been raised by Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels about the impact on the animals.
The city council has been credited with playing a leading role in a “remarkable recovery” of the red squirrels in Hazlehead Park.
Ms Bochel, in her conclusion, states the plans can be supported, provided there are developer contributions to upgrade access roads and paths as well as the wider Hazlehead Park area.