Aberdeen City councillors have voted in favour of the plans for a 200-bedroom hotel, spa, swimming pool, function and conference facility, restaurants and equestrian centre, to be built on two areas of Scottish land which are zoned as ‘green belt’.

Approval of the project will be subject to referral to Scottish Ministers as the proposal was deemed a major application that is contrary to the council’s adopted Local Development Plan.

An economic analysis, submitted on behalf of applicant Alan Massie from Carlton Rock, suggested the country club plans could generate millions of pounds in visitor spending annually, provide 250 full-time jobs in the hotel and up to 400 staff positions during a two-year construction phase.

“The five-star hotel will complement the existing recreational uses within Hazlehead Park and will bring real economic and social benefits to the city by providing a riding centre, swimming pool, spa, restaurant and conference facilities,” said planning development management convener councillor Ramsay Milne.

“Although the site is in the green belt, the development is screened by surrounding woodland and there would be little impact on the character of the green belt,” Milne continued.

Planning permission, which is subject to a number of conditions, will be withheld pending an agreement on developer contributions towards access roads, recreational and wildlife enhancements to Hazlehead Park. This would also ensure that the provision of facilities including the spa and equestrian centre are open to the public as well as guests.