Councillors are being asked to approve a new student housing development in an historic part of Aberdeen.
The recommendation has been made by local authority officers – despite more than 50 objections to the scheme
The Ardmuir Developments’ proposals, which would have space for 176 residents, would be built at the junction of King’s Crescent and St Peter Street, and would be between three and five storeys.
The site, which covers an area of 9,268sq ft, is used as a car park for staff who work at the nearby First Bus depot in King Street.
Replacement parking would be provided as part of the development.
However, there would be no car parking spaces provided for the student residents.
While the land does not fall within the Old Aberdeen conservation area, it lies next to it.
There are two B-listed march stones at the site, one of which is just outside the development area, and another which is incorporated into an existing wall, which was formerly a granite merchant’s yard.
A public consultation was held on the proposals, including an event in St Mary’s Parish Church in King Street.
As a result of the responses received, the proposals have now been referred to the council’s planning committee because of the number of objections received.
Among the opponents are Old Aberdeen Community Council and Old Aberdeen Heritage Society.
The community council has raised concerns about the height of the development, which it claims will tower over surrounding buildings.
Dewi Morgan, the community council’s planning officer, said: “It’s a boggling number of these student developments being put forward.
“If they are all approved it’s going to mean an extra 3,000 student beds available.
“This development is far too tall, and it’s going to be too close to the road as well.”
A spokeswoman from the Old Aberdeen Heritage Society said: “This ugly monstrosity will dominate the landscape all around.
“I would urge councillors to vote against this development.”
Ardmuir could not be reached for comment last night.
A number of applications for student accommodation developments across the city have been tabled in the past year.
Proposals for flats in Froghall Terrace, the Gallowgate, John Street, and Holburn Street have all been submitted.
Meanwhile, a development at Powis Place is already under way, and a separate scheme at Triple Kirks has been approved.
The latest proposals will be discussed by councillors on Thursday.