Aberdeen Capital Investment Ltd wanted to knock down the former Scottaspress building in Maberly Street and build a four-floor block of flats.

Concerns over the loss of the vacant granite building outside any conservation area, attracted several public objections. Complaints also said that the new building would be too tall, amount to overdevelopment and would not be in keeping with the local area.

As a result, Aberdeen councillors voted to refuse the plans on Friday, The Press and Journal reports.

Planning officers recommended the planning committee refused the proposals, highlighting that they were “considered to result in an unsatisfactory design solution”.

Officers said not enough of the granite from the demolished building would be on show in the frontage of the new building.