The Epic Group had submitted plans designed by Tinto Architecture to the Aberdeen City Council to build 15 flats on the three upper storeys of the A-listed building in Union Terrace, on the corner with Union Street.

The move marked the latest building to be reclaimed for residential use in Aberdeen city centre amid a drive from councillors to have more people living in the heart of the city.

Planners did not back proposals for a mezzanine, which would have made use of the double-height ceiling on the first floor.

Their refusal of the plans, under delegated powers, came over fears the new intermediate floor would block windows on the first storey.

Interim chief planning officer, David Dunne, said: “It is apparent to the planning service that the new floor level would intersect the windows, which are prominently visible on the Union Street elevation.

“The intersection of the windows with a new floor level would cause harm to the building’s special character.”