Plans for flats overlooking iconic Rubislaw Quarry approved on appeal to Scottish Government

Nearly 250 flats overlooking Aberdeen's Rubislaw quarry have been approved by the Scottish Government's planning and enviromental appeals division.

The nine-storey development was initially refused planning permission by the City Council.

Developer Carterra appealed the decision of the City Council to turn down the development in June.

Mr David Buylla - who was appointed to consider the case said: “My conclusion is that planning permission should be grante subject to the conditions that the council has requested, with minor changes to improve clarity to which the appellant has not objected.”

The Canadian developer will have to sign up to a legal document ensuring they will uphold the conditions set out by the reporter before permission is formally granted.

Councillor Martin Greig said:

“The Council has been dealt a harsh blow by overturning our local decision and instead giving the developer the planning permission they wanted. The opposition to this was enormous. It was hard to find anyone in favour.

“We made a strong and clear case against this development. This reversal is really discouraging and disappointing. Thousands in the city will be regretting this decision. The Scottish Government has simply brushed away the concerns of the Council and residents.

We all came together to oppose this unwelcome proposal for the quarry area. This enormous building will be visually intrusive and overwhelming. The design is completely inappropriate for this sensitive location.”