Aberdeen bus HQ site plan dropped

The Woodside plans had sparked resident protests

Transport giant FirstGroup has withdrawn an application to build a new £10m headquarters and bus depot at Woodside in Aberdeen.

The company blamed rising costs and uncertainty due to the protracted approval process, two years after submitting plans.

The plans had sparked protests from residents concerned about congestion.

FirstGroup said it was looking at all the options to still keep the headquarters in Aberdeen.

We've always said we would like FirstGroup's headquarters to remain in Aberdeen. We're reviewing all the options to achieve that goal Moir Lockhead FirstGroup chief executive

Moir Lockhead, FirstGroup chief executive, said: "The system has let us down. It's taken over two years for our application to get this far and we are facing further delays before approval is granted.

"The costs of the proposal have increased significantly during this period and the continued uncertainty is unsettling for all of those involved.

"We've always said we would like FirstGroup's headquarters to remain in Aberdeen. We're reviewing all the options to achieve that goal. Our aim is to arrive at a solution that works for FirstGroup, planning authorities and the people of Aberdeen."

He said he wanted to put on the record his appreciation for the support of Aberdeen City Council on the project to date.

Many nearby residents have welcomed the decision, but council members expressed disappointment.

Wrong message

The convenor of the planning committee, Councillor Scott Cassie, said planning delays by the Scottish Executive sent out the wrong message to businesses seeking to locate and relocate in Aberdeen.

A Scottish Executive spokesperson said FirstGroup's proposals had raised a number of significant issues.

These included possible implications for the economy, the loss of open space and playing fields, and possible impact on the road network, on residential amenity and on nature conservation interests.

The spokesperson said: "Matters such as these cannot be taken lightly and so it was right that the proposals be thoroughly examined at a public local inquiry. We are unsure why FirstGroup has chosen to withdraw at this stage."

BBC Scotland revealed earlier this year that FirstGroup was to consider finding an alternative site for its new HQ.

The plans are for office accommodation and a new depot for 400 drivers.