Angry west end residents have voiced their objections to plans to transform a former private school into a hotel and restaurant complex.
Status Properties Limited, made up of Ivor Finnie, Alan Wallace and others, are behind plans to convert the former B-listed Hamilton School on Queens Road.
Status Properties Limited was incorporated almost three years ago with Mr Finnie and Mr Wallace listed as directors. It is currently listed as not trading.
In November last year, three firms owned by the entrepreneurial duo owed nearly £36million after collapsing in September according to Companies House.
Next Thursday, the council’s planning committee will debate whether to grant planning permission for the ambitious development with officers recommending approval of the development.
The new venue would be sandwiched between the Chester Hotel and Malmaison – leading to locals to voicing fears of increased traffic, noise and smell if it is granted permission.
Half a dozen letters of objection have been received including one by the local community council.
A letter from Ken Hutchison, on behalf of Queens Cross and Harlaw community council, reads: “Firstly we would want to highlight the very disappointing decisions made over the past couple of years by the planning department with regard to the ever increasing commercialisation of what used to be a quiet residential area.
“The experience of the residents in the area with the two existing hotels has clearly demonstrated that the operation of a hotel in this area results in conflict with the amenity of the householders.
“Surely it is time for this council planning committee to act on behalf of the people of this previously quiet residential area and support their own policy of limiting alcohol availability and commercialisation of a quiet residential area.”
The Hamilton School closed its doors in February 2014 after the Scottish Government and the Care Inspectorate moved to close the premises amid safety concerns.
Aberdeen City Council had to find provision for all of the children affected by its closure and reopened the mothballed Braeside primary to accommodate the pupils.
The building has been empty ever since.
One business source said that it was possible the company would try to gain planning permission before selling the business to another operator.
There are a number of large scale hotel developments under construction or in planning around the city.
These include new developments at Woolmanhill Hospital, the former Robert Gordons College and Marischal Square.
Alongside the 90-bedroom luxury hotel would be a fine dining restaurant and bar.
The plans would involve the demolition of both an existing rear extension and freestanding house, and the construction of a new rear extension.
But a report to councillors suggests members approve the plan.
It reads: “The site is adequately served by on-site car parking, and is in a suitably accessible location which makes use of a Brownfield site and retains and restores two existing category B-listed buildings in a prominent location with the Albyn Place/Rubislaw Conservation Area.
“The extension to the rear of these listed buildings is considered to be acceptable and appropriate in the localised context of this particular site, where the immediate setting has been significantly altered by earlier extensions to the adjoining hotels, with the result that the rear elevation of these buildings is largely screened from view.
“Adequate provision has been made for drainage, and details of noise assessment and mitigation can be secured via condition. No material considerations have been identified that would warrant refusal of the application.”
Mr Finnie declined to comment.
