Aberdeen Capital Investments had its proposals for the former Scottaspress premises in Maberly Street initially thrown out by councillors in December 2020.

New plans submitted by the firm last May, which would see the site transformed into 17 flats over four storeys, went before Aberdeen City Council’s planning committee last week having been recommended for approval by council planners.

SEPA submitted a holding objection to the plan and has asked for a revised flood risk assessment to be carried out. The environmental agency raised concerns that the site is located in a “medium risk” area for flooding and asked for more information to “enable a better understanding” of the danger posed by the culverted Gilcomstoun Burn.

During the committee meeting, councillors agreed to conditionally approve the application but construction will only be allowed to begin if SEPA’s objection is removed.

The application also received 11 objections from local residents raising concerns on matters including lack of parking, the height of the flats and loss of privacy for neighbours.

Meanwhile, George Street Community Council said the plan would have an “adverse impact” on surrounding residents and added that it was a “substantial overdevelopment” of the site.

Two other applications – for 16 flats over four storeys and 10 flats on three floors – were withdrawn in 2019.

According to the developer, Hillcrest Homes has been lined up to take on the properties as affordable houses.