A new five-star hotel and country club planned for green belt land in Aberdeen has been approved in principle by councillors.
Members of the full council voted 28 to seven in favour of the proposals to build a 200-bedroom hotel, swimming pool, spa, conference space and equestrian centre on land at Hayfield Riding Centre and to the east of Hazledene Road at Hazlehead Road.
Around 250 full-time jobs will be created by the luxury venture with estimates it will boost the local economy by up to £10m.
The public land is currently owned by Aberdeen City Council and sits on the fringes of Hazlehead Park.
Head of Planning Dr Margaret Bochel said the application would not harm the character of the green belt and would bring benefits for local tourism.
She said: “It’s a self-contained site and is totally screened by trees. The proposed uses will compliment the recreational use of Hazlehead Park.
“Our view is that there are exceptional circumstances that relate to this application.”
She stressed that several more applications will be required to set the fine detail of the development – such as the design of the hotel and the roads plan.
Dr Bochel added: “The design of this hotel is going to be critical in terms of its impact on the park.”
It is planned to lease the plots to developer Alan Massie if full approval is given, with the application now to be referred to Scottish Ministers to decide whether the government needs to determine the application given the local authority’s ownership of the land.
Councillor Ramsay Milne (Labour) proposed to full council that the planning permission in principle be granted.
He said that residents of Aberdeen would benefit from being able to access the new facilities.
Mr Milne added: “Although the site is on green belt, we are reminded how well the development is screened by surrounding woodland and there is little impact on the green belt.”
He added that the economic benefits were clear, with the development to bring competition to the luxury hotel sector in Aberdeen given the ongoing uncertainty over the future of the Marcliffe Hotel.
Councillor Martin Greig, (Liberal Democrat) of Hazlehead/ Ashley/ Queens Cross ward, moved to refuse the application.
He said: “This is the wrong location for the proposed hotel. The green belt could always be used for appropriate development but not at any cost.
“Building such a big hotel will reduce the enjoyment of the green area.”
He was seconded by fellow ward member, Councillor Jennifer Stewart, who said: “I do believe we need a five star hotel but in this location it is wrong from start to end.”
Dtvelopers scaled back their original plans following consultation with residents and community councillors in the area.
Developer Alan Massie said after the council decision: “This is a positive message that the council supports business and economic growth ins Scotland’s third city.
“It was a pleasure working with the community council and this was a positive application in terms of tourism and business in the city.”
Mr Massie said the hotel and country club could open by late 2018 if all “green lights” to full planning permission are passed by the end of the year.