Aberdeen Harbour Board applied for planning permission 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 plans also include 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 included.

The proposal forms part of the £1 billion City Centre Masterplan which was approved by the council to improve Aberdeen as a place to live, work and visit. It is hoped that a riverside park, a footbridge across the Dee and a hotel with an academy to train staff will also be developed as the Masterplan progresses.

Developers will present their application for planning permission in principle to the council’s planning committee on Thursday.

Planning officers have recommended councillors back the scheme on the basis developers agree to deliver affordable housing, community facilities, sports and recreation, open space and healthcare.

A report to councillors reads: “It would help in the regeneration of Torry by creating and enhanced riverside parkland with uses for the benefit of the entire community.”