Grampian Housing Association has revealed its “disappointment” after a decision by Aberdeen City Council blocked its plans to develop affordable homes designed to attract graduates to the area.

The housing association’s bid for a vacant site on Nelson Street would have seen First Foot Properties build around 150 single units.

The fields and changing pavilion currently at the site were deemed surplus to requirements and put up for sale earlier this year.

Grampian Housing Association’s proposed project, which would have cost around £15 million and be the first of its kind in Scotland, was created with recent graduates starting their careers in the public sector in mind.

The homes would have been owned and operated by the housing association.

However a rival plan by the Alhikmah Foundation charity for the site including new football and cricket pitches was backed by the city council’s finance committee this week.

Following the decision, Grampian Housing Association told Scottish Housing News: “We are disappointed with Aberdeen City Council’s decision about the sale of the Nelson Street site. Grampian Housing Association considered that the development proposal by First Foot Properties would have provided a housing solution for graduate households in the city centre, given the demand for this type of accommodation.”