Plans for 41 flats pulled at the last minute

Controversial plans to turn a former Aberdeen care home into more than 40 flats have been withdrawn at the 11th hour.

Cala Homes (North) and Voluntary Service Aberdeen (VSA) were to present their vision for 41 flats over four floors at the Forrest Grove site on King’s Gate to the council’s planning committee yesterday.

But the plans were pulled and councillors did not debate the scheme. They are likely to return, in an amended form, at a later date.

The plans had proved contentious among some

“Our proposal would benefit from further consideration”

in Midstocket, with 31 objections received by the council. There were concerns over school places, traffic and the potential loss of trees.

Last night Cala bosses said they would speak with partners on the plans and were considering a “future submission” for the site.

Mike Naysmith, managing director of Cala Homes (North), said: “We remain confident our proposal alongside VSA stood the tests set out in planning policy.

“However given the points raised in the planning officer’s report to the planning committee, not all of which we agreed with, we acknowledge our proposal would benefit from further consideration with key stakeholders and as such we have withdrawn the application.

“We will now seek to discuss design principles with Aberdeen City Council before considering a future submission.”

The plans were previously altered with an earlier incarnation featuring 49 flats and a five-storey build.