Aberdeen FC have been given the go-ahead to build their new stadium and training complex at Kingsford.
Aberdeen City Council’s planning department formally approved the £50 million development yesterday.
A letter sent to the developers said: “The development proposed is contrary to the provisions of policy NE2 (Green Belt) on the basis of its location within an area designated as green belt in the ALDP.
“Whilst this policy would potentially allow for elements of the development it is nevertheless the case that, taken as a whole, the development represents a significant departure from policy NE2, particularly in terms of its encroachment onto a green buffer which visually separates existing settlements of Kingswells and Westhill and contributes to maintaining their separate identities as well as the wider landscape setting of Aberdeen.
“Nevertheless, sufficient information is available to enable officers to conclude that there are no other sites with Aberdeen that would be suitable, available and deliverable that would be preferable in term of environmental impacts.”
Stewart Milne, chairman of AFC, said: “This is yet another piece of good news in our long-running saga to secure badly needed training and community facilities. We are really excited about letting contracts to local companies for the work and getting started on site.
“Despite claims by the objectors, we will be going ahead as we are confident that our plans have gone through the proper channels and democratic process.”
Plans were put on hold last October to allow further discussions but councillors voted 32-9 in favour of the project in January.
The No Kingsford Stadium protest group is pursuing a judicial review.
The battle of Kingsford as stadium contracts allow work to begin