A national conservation organisation has raised concerns that a planned outdoor swimming pool could have a damaging impact on wildlife in Aberdeen.
Proposals have been submitted by David Lloyd for an open-air baths at its gym in Garthdee, which backs on to the River Dee.
But Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has now lodged an objection to the plans, citing potential pollution of the river.
The organisation claims the development would be too close to a special conservation area for Atlantic salmon, otters and freshwater pearl mussels.
A letter submitted by Gavin Clark, SNH’s operations manager for Tayside and Grampian, points out that “fine sediment” from construction could have a detrimental impact on the river species.
The letter adds: “While there is an existing bund between the development proposal and the river, it is possible that drainage features could act as a conduit for run-off from the site under the bund and toward the river.
“It is important that any such features and any other ways of pollutants entering the river are identified and managed during construction to prevent pollution.”
Mr Clark also stresses that pool lighting could further disrupt the species.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has also been consulted on the proposals, but has not raised any objections.
The plans include the pool, which would be 65ft long, 26ft wide and 4ft deep, an outdoor terrace, pool plant, a 7ft perimeter fence, and an extension to the current decking with an access ramp.
David Lloyd has said any impact on the surrounding area has been “carefully considered”.
A spokesman for the company said: “The position of the outdoor pool has been sited as far away from the neighbouring properties as possible.
“The topography of the site, careful and sympathetic timber screening and a low level lighting scheme has been carefully considered to minimise impact to surrounding users on adjacent sites and the pathway along the River Dee.”
A decision on the proposals will be made by the city’s council’s planning development management committee in the coming weeks.