Aberdeenshire councillors have voted to object to plans for a £50 million new Dons stadium at Kingsford.

David Aitchison, chair of the infrastructure committee, had the deciding vote after councillors tied seven against seven to outright object the application.

An amendment had been tabled to hold off for more information, but it was defeated.

Aberdeenshire councillors had been asked for their view due to the site’s close proximity to the local authority area but will not make a final decision.

Aberdeen City councillors will decide on the application in June.

Today’s vote came as anti-Kingsford residents staged a protest in opposition gathered outside the local authority’s HQ ahead of the meeting.

The development, which would be situated close to the bypass, would see a training facility completed first, and be available to use in 2018.

It is hoped the 20,000-capacity stadium – which has taken inspiration from Bristol City’s Ashton Gate stadium – could be completed by the start of the 2020/21 season.