Despite some controversies, the Aberdeen council voted overwhelmingly in favour of the new Kingsford Stadium. Campaigners against the stadium announce they will pursue judicial review.

Yesterday the Aberdeen city council voted in favour of the new Kingsford Stadium by 32 votes to 9. The decision paves way to break ground on new training complex later this year, to be followed by the 20,000-seater stadium. The decision was preceded by report of city planners in favour of the project.

Aberdeen FC chairman Stewart Milne, said: “After 17 years, we are one step closer to a new home that will allow us to meet our vision and ambition for Aberdeen Football Club, our city and our region”.

Opponents of the stadium aren't giving up, though. The No Kingsford Stadium protest group said they had funds in place for a judicial review. The organisation said in a statement:

“No Kingsford Stadium has worked tirelessly to prevent the approval of this application. We have shown that the application is contrary to the development plan. It is our view that council officials and councillors have failed in their duty to apply the law in this case and we will now progress our petition for judicial review.”

Aberdeenshire Council had earlier objected to the plans. Senior planner Gavin Evans told councillors that Aberdeenshire Council could effectively still stop the application, over the issue of controlled parking zones.

It has been claimed the stadium and training ground would create more than 400 jobs and bring millions of pounds into the local economy. Objections have been raised on grounds including potential traffic issues and loss of green belt land.