Aberdeenshire Council responds to football stadium decision

Aberdeenshire Council has responded to news that the Scottish Government won’t intervene on plans for a new football stadium and community facilities on the edge of the city.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Head of Planning and Building Standards, Robert Gray, said: “Aberdeenshire Council is disappointed to note the decision of Scottish Ministers not to intervene in the determination of the application for the new stadium and community facilities at Kingsford, Aberdeen.



“We were of the view that the application, which is within Aberdeen City but will lie on the boundary between the two Council areas, was unacceptable and should have been refused. However, as Scottish Ministers have now indicated that Aberdeen City Council can proceed to determine the application, we will seek to be involved to get the best possible outcome for the area.



“One of the main priorities in this process has been to protect the residents and amenity of Westhill from the development and, in particular, to ensure that options were fully considered to effectively control parking outside the stadium grounds and allow the safe crossing of the A944 between the stadium and Arnhall Business Park.



“The position of Scottish Ministers and decision taken by Aberdeen City Council leaves a number of unanswered questions about these matters which have not been fully considered, meaning they could be open to challenge or run the risk of not being delivered.

"We are already in discussion with colleagues at Aberdeen City Council in an attempt to resolve these points and are similarly happy to have that discussion with the applicant."