Campaigners against a new £50 million stadium for the Dons have formally lodged a petition for judicial review.

The No Kingsford Stadium Group (NKS) put forward the petition late this afternoon, ahead of Sunday’s deadline.

The group has raised concerns over the impact of the development and is opposed to its location on greenbelt land.

An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “We note proceedings have been raised in relation to the planning consent granted for the Kingsford development.

“Aberdeen City Council will follow due process and it would not be appropriate to comment further on an active legal matter.”

Diane Reid, a NKS director, said: “We wish to thank all those who have supported us. We believe Aberdeen City Council has failed in its duty to properly determine this application. We are confident that the court process will bring independent and impartial scrutiny to the decision and that we have a real prospect of success.

“Today, we have demonstrated that communities can challenge inappropriate development and we look forward to the coming proceedings.”

Aberdeen Football Club project director, Raymond Edgar, said: “The club has yet to be formally notified of the apparent challenge of the council’s decision to grant planning permission for the community sports hub, training facilities and new stadium.

“If a challenge has been submitted, it will be for the court to review the process and determine if there are grounds for a judicial review.

“This could result in a delay to these much-needed facilities. Of greater concern however are the costs this will incur for all parties and the damage it will do to Aberdeen’s reputation as a city that is investing in its future.”