Aberdeen Capital Investments had their proposals for the former Scottaspress premises in Maberly Street thrown out in December 2020.

New plans submitted by the firm last May, are set to go before Aberdeen City Council next week.

Two prior applications, for 16 flats over four storeys and 10 flats built on three floors, were withdrawn in 2019, the Press and Journal reports. 

Planning officials previously said the development is “considered acceptable” against all council policies and there is no “material consideration which warrants refusal”.

That is despite 11 public objections to the plans over concerns about the height of the flats, lack of parking and need for further flats, and loss of privacy for neighbours.

David Dunne, planning officer, said: “Although it is alleged that there is a lack of demand for housing, this is contradicted by the council housing service and affordable housing guidance.”

A modern extension is part of the design for the car-free flat block on the narrow street, which lies within the city centre zone where developers don’t need to pay towards the city’s affordable housing stock.

Aberdeen Capital Investments took the 2020 rejection to the Scottish Government, whose independent reporter backed the council’s decision based on concerns about how much of the granite from the demolished building would be reused.