Halliday Fraser Munro submitted plans in 2016 to demolish the building on Guild Street and build a site containing 413 units of student accommodation and a 192-bed hotel, alongside a retail unit on the lower ground floor.

The proposals would also see the creation of a new public square with access to Guild Street with Bridge Street.

A design statement provided by the architects said the site is located between “two of Aberdeen’s busiest destinations, Union Street to the north and Aberdeen Station/Union Square” giving it “a high pedestrian footfall”.

Approving the demolition of Atholl House, Councillor Michael Hutchison said: “What we have just now is a fairly ugly eyesore on the edge of a conservation area.

“I expect its demolition will help to improve the area.

“I’m surprised the 17-storey replacement didn’t draw more comments from the public given its scale and prominence.”

A report by Aberdeen City Council officers said: “As the building which would be demolished has no features of special architectural or historic interest, and is considered to be visually discordant with the historic character of the conservation area, the demolition could therefore be seen to enhance the character of the conservation area.”