Scottish Government minded to approve Torry waterfront homes

Plans to deliver 258 homes on the banks of the River Dee in Torry looked set to be approved by the Scottish Government despite the application being unanimously rejected by councillors.Aberdeen Harbour Board applied for planning permission back in March 2018 to build eight tower blocks between four and seven storeys tall on the south side of the river near the Queen Elizabeth Bridge on South Esplanade West.The NORR-designed plans also included the creation of a 503sq m ground-floor retail unit and a central public square between the middle blocks with 110 parking spaces and 258 cycle spaces.Planning officers had recommended that councillors back the project on the basis developers agree to deliver affordable housing, community facilities, sports and recreation, open space and healthcare, however, the proposal was rejected on the grounds that its vision was “too dull”.Aberdeen City Council said the harbour board’s proposals did not show enough ambition and that one of the city’s most recognisable communities deserved better.An appeal was then lodged to the Scottish Government, with government reporter Elspeth Cook now indicating that she’s minded to overturn the council decision.The approval would pave the way for planning permission in principle to be granted for the redevelopment.