Councillors in Aberdeen are to discuss whether they will hold a public hearing regarding the planning application for Marischal Square.

It is understood that planning officials have recommended the Council's Planning Development Management Committee move the consideration of the application for public hearing due to the number of issues raised in relation to the plans, as well as the authority's ownership of the land.

More than 20 objections were made in response to the applications, which triggered a report to the Planning Committee to decide if a public hearing should be held on the issue.

Muse Developments has proposed to construct a multi-million pound mixed-use development on the site, which would include a hotel, shops, restaurants, offices, civic space and public realm improvements. It would provide 16,264 sq m of office space, 2,193 sq m of retail and restaurant space, and a four-star, 125-bedroom hotel.

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Elsewhere, the Broad Street frontage would be defined by the office buildings, while a space between them would allow access to and views of Provost Skene's House, set in an area of public open space. The majority of ground-level floorspace would be catered towards retail and leisure use, with the hotel located in the south-west corner of the site.

Plans for the civic square involve granite paving, sculpted benches and seating, while trees, a number of lawns and a water feature.

In a report, Head of Planning and Sustainable Development, Dr Margaret Bochel, explained: "The representations received raise a wide range of issues, including the massing, scale and architectural composition of the proposed buildings; the implications of Broad Street's closure for congestion on the surrounding road network, air quality and noise pollution; the relationship between the proposals and the surrounding listed buildings, notably Provost Skene's House and Marischal College; and the potentially adverse impact on the viability of existing retail uses.

"It is considered that the most appropriate manner of addressing these concerns is to convene a hearing at which all parties will have an opportunity to state their views."

A decision regarding a potential public hearing will be made on Thursday (24 July).

(JP/IT)