Aberdeen FC's plans for a new £50 million stadium complex have been put on hold.

In a statement, the Club said it requested the decision on the application, which was due to be published by Aberdeen City Council next week, to be delayed so it can carry out further discussions with the planning service.

The proposed scheme includes developing a new stadium, community and sports facilities, a new football academy and various ancillary works at Kingsford near Westhill.

AFC Chairman Stewart Milne said: "This is a once in a generation project with major implications for the Club, the city and the wider region. It is also an application with a degree of legal and planning complexity that needs to be carefully considered. We have therefore decided to request that our application be deferred to a future meeting of the full council."

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A council spokesperson said: "We can confirm that item 9(h), in relation to the application for planning consent for proposed community and sports facilities at West Kingsford, has been withdrawn from the agenda for the meeting of Full Council on 11 October 2017 at the request of the applicant, Aberdeen Football Club.

"Having regard to the nature of the application and the associated complexities, and in light of the public interest, the Planning Authority has acceded to the request on this occasion.

"The request has been made to enable the applicant to seek further discussions and clarification to take place with the Planning Authority. If necessary, further planning consultation will follow."

Protest group No Kingsford Stadium said it was "unsurprised" by the decision to withdraw the application and called on the Club to work with the council to identify other sites for the development.

(LM)