Stewart Milne Homes has revealed it has withdrawn a planning application to develop 189 homes on the site of the Marcliffe Hotel.
The hotel’s owner Stewart Spence, who vowed to keep the facility open and bring it back to its former glory earlier this year, last night said he was “delighted” at the decision, as it removed any lingering doubt about the future of the much-loved landmark.
He said: “There has still been a lot of doubt with some people about the future. Even though we are spending a fortune on the refurb, people aren’t sure. I’m delighted that Stewart has decided not to go ahead.”
Until a few months ago, Stewart Milne Group (SMG) had been negotiating to acquire the property after earlier plans tabled by Gibson McCartney for a £90million office complex were withdrawn. SMG then bought the Gibson McCartney business for £2million and submitted the housing scheme plan.
The housebuilder insisted that houses on the site of Aberdeen’s only five star hotel would be “much sought after”, but that it pulled its plans due to long-running negotiations with city planners over affordable housing and school requirements.
A spokeswoman for Stewart Milne Homes said: “Following discussions with the planning authority, we have decided that we will withdraw the current planning application whilst discussions continue regarding the city’s education strategy including catchment zones for schooling in the area and to secure an appropriate location for affordable housing provision within the city.
“We believe this premium development will be much sought after. Our decision to withdraw this current application will enable us to continue to work with the local authority and its strategies for the longer term to deliver the best outcome for the local area.”
The spokeswoman said the firm may yet resubmit at a later date.
Under Scottish planning rules, planning permission can be sought for land not owned by an applicant. The site is owned by Mr Spence and his sons