The Scottish Government will not oppose plans to build a new £50m stadium in Aberdeen.

Aberdeen FC’s proposals to replace Pittodrie with a 20,000-seat ground and training academy at Kingsford, near Westhill, were previously approved by the city council.

Construction is now set to go ahead if a series of planning conditions are met.

However, campaigning group No Kingsford Stadium is concerned about the impact increased traffic could have on Westhill and claims the economic case does not add up.

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The opponents plan to pursue a judicial review of the council’s decision.

Aberdeenshire Council also opposes the new stadium, which could be ready for the start of the 2020/21 season.

A council spokesman said: “The Scottish Government has written to Aberdeen City Council to say it is not going to call in the Kingsford Stadium planning decision, leaving it for the council to determine the planning application.

“The Scottish Government said in the notification that the issues raised by Aberdeenshire Council ‘are not of national significance to have bearing’ on the decision not to call it in.”

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Stewart Milne, Aberdeen chairman, welcomed the decision and confirmed the club was keen to start construction as soon as possible.

He said: “The next step is to progress the terms of the legal agreement with Aberdeen City Council and work with all stakeholders on agreeing and meeting the conditions.

“We will continue to work with the city, Aberdeenshire Council and the community in the lead up to and during construction.

“Together, we can deliver a first-class facility to be proud of that will unlock the potential of the club, the trust and the next generation of football stars, while making a positive contribution to the local economy.”

In a statement, the No Kingsford Stadium group said: “This now leaves the way clear for the decision to be examined through the courts.

“We believe that the decision by Aberdeen City Council is unlawful and we will seek to prove that the council has failed to legally process and consider this application.

“NKS have now raised over £40,000 towards this action and is now seeking to reach our funding target of £60,000. We would encourage all those who wish to protect the green belt and environment to support our campaign and donate using the details on our website.”

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Alexander Burnett, Scottish Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, said: “Aberdeen City Council must now work with Aberdeenshire Council to resolve the outstanding issues that have been raised.

“It is equally important that local residents are kept fully informed of any developments during that process.”