The company behind plans
to develop the largest electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the North-east
has vowed to never invest in Aberdeen after city planners rejected an application
due to a café drive-thru lane.
CoCity had hoped to build their mass EV charging station on the
vacant Alba Gate office site in Dyce, alongside four business units and a café.
However, national guidelines that restrict drive-thru facilities
at out of town developments have led to council planners recommending the plans
be refused.
CoCity claimed the lane would be required to lure the likes of
Costa Coffee or Starbucks to the site, and argued the development would inject
around £2.5million into the local economy over the next five years.
But that didn't stop members of the planning committee rejecting the plans after a near-two-hour debate.
'This will be our last act in Aberdeen'
The developers said they found the decision "completely baffling", and vowed to not work in the North-east again.
CoCity chief Alex Impey said: "Twice, we have brought vibrant and innovative schemes to the site, which were backed by the local community and its leaders.
"Yet twice, they were scuppered by both the local planning authority and the planning committee.
"We are still completely baffled by the decision that it is better for the community to keep a derelict site, subject to vandalism, arson and antisocial behaviour."
Mr Impey continued: "This will also be our last act in Aberdeen.
“We plan to permanently exit the Aberdeen market in order to focus on other areas of Scotland and the UK, and work with local authorities who are supportive of innovation, growth, and have a clear vision of how to make their cities the best for their residents.”