Toronto-based Carttera submitted £68 million proposals to deliver 299 private rented flats at disused the quarry as well a gym, and a ‘heritage bistro’ earlier this year.

But members of Aberdeen City Council’s planning development management committee rejected the plans, despite council planners recommending the project for approval, pointing to economic benefits and that the unusual design would add “something different” to the skyline.

The committee voted by seven to two against the plans on grounds of “over-development” and “visual impact” fears.

Carttera said it was “disappointed” by the outcome and has already vowed to appeal against the decision.

Maggie Bochel, of Aurora Planning Limited, who worked with Carttera, said: “Although there were a lot of positive comments made by the committee members in relation to a number of aspects of the development, such as allowing for public access to the quarry and the provision of the heritage bistro, as well as the form of housing proposed, we are obviously disappointed with the outcome.

“We will need to await the issue of the decision notice before taking any further steps but we are still firmly committed to investing in the city and will submit an appeal once we have received that.”