A development of specialist retirement homes in south-east Aberdeen has won planning permission.

Specialist retirement developer McCarthy & Stone is to redevelop the 1.2 acre site of the former Conference Centre of the Hilton Treetops Hotel in Craigiebuckler into 44 retirement apartments for the elderly.

A spokesman for the company said the apartments would boost housing options in the area, not just by providing accommodation for older people but by freeing up family-size homes that are too big for one or two elderly people.

The development will have gardens, a roof terrace and a sun room for residents and visitors.


Stephen Wiseman of McCarthy and Stone said: "We always ensure our developments bring benefits from being well designed and centrally located, close to local transport links, amenities and shops. This helps sustain the local economy."

The site had previously been granted planning consent to develop residential apartments for general sale but the development failed to progress because of the economic downturn.

The retirement apartment proposals then had to be clearly communicated to the local community.

Sir Michael Hirst, Chairman of Pagoda Public Relations, who led on community consultation, said residents, community groups and politicians in the area were invited to special meetings so the new developer could explain the new ideas for the site. He said feedback showed that 90% of those consulted supported the McCarthy and Stone proposal.

Redevelopment of the site will begin with the demolition of the existing Conference Centre expected to commence on site in autumn.

(NE)