Health chiefs have criticised council planners for recommending refusal for homes for NHS staff – due to concerns over trees.
NHS Grampian have lodged plans to create 110 homes on the former nurses’ accommodation block at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, in partnership with the Grampian Housing Association.
The health board has long struggled to recruit staff in the Granite City, with many put off by the high cost of living.
But a report to members of the planning development management committee, which meets next week, reads: “The proposed development would by reason of its scale, siting, and quantum of development results in the loss of open space and urban green space, so as to harm the quality of the landscape and thereby adversely affect the character and amenity of the area.”
An NHS Grampian spokeswoman said: “We remain deeply disappointed by the recommendation of Aberdeen City Council officers.
“The high cost of living in Aberdeen continues to present us with significant challenges in recruiting and retaining staff.
“We know we are not alone in facing this problem and this project – which will provide essential accommodation for key workers – offers a potential solution.
“Both NHS Grampian and Grampian Housing Association have again written directly to elected members to outline our concern at the position adopted by officers. We hope they will consider this information carefully prior to their meeting.”