Dozens of new homes could be built near a major north-east hospital in an effort to attract more health workers to the region.
There have been long-standing issues bringing skilled medical professionals, like nurses, to the north-east.
The cost of housing and living and north-east’s distance from the central belt have in the past been cited as factors.
But now new plans have been submitted to the city council by NHS Grampian and Grampian Housing Association.
They would result in 43 affordable flats being built for “key workers” on a site at Foresterhill Court and Burnside Gardens.
A Grampian Housing Association spokeswoman last night said redeveloping the site had been a “long term aim”.
She said: “With priority being given to keyworkers, our plans for affordable homes at Burnside Gardens will help to ensure that the housing needs of this target group are met.
“It is important for the north- east to be able to attract key workers to live and work in the area and support the local economy.
“The success of this is dependent on there being suitable housing to support their ambitions.
“Our redevelopment of this site has been a long term aim and we are delighted to be at this stage in the process.”
If approved, the project partners would build two blocks, three and four storeys in height respectively.
In a note from the council’s environmental health team, they advise that, due to the proximity of the hospital, there is a “slight” chance of contamination.
It reads: “We have no objection to the approval of this application.
“However, although we do not believe the potential for risk is sufficient to justify the attachment of conditions, the applicant is advised that should any contamination of the ground be discovered during development the planning authority should be notified immediately.
“The extent and nature of the contamination should be investigated and a suitable scheme for the mitigation of any risks arising from the contamination should be agreed and implemented to the satisfaction of the planning authority.
“The site is adjacent to hospital grounds and there is a slight possibility of some contamination.”
The scheme will now be scrutinised by council planning bosses. It is likely to be scrutinised by a council committee at a later date.