A BID to have a council ruling overturned and build on land next to Westhill’s health centre has been rejected.

The Scottish Government’s Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals upheld a decision by Aberdeenshire councillors to reject the proposal for an office block at Arnhall Business Park .

Concerns had been expressed by the Skene Medical Group, residents and WECC over the Medical Centres Scotland’s plan curtailing future expansion.

A DPEA report said: “I note that the appellant is the owner of the adjacent building; that the same architects were used to design both that building and the proposed building; and that the tenancy of the adjacent building finishes in around 10 years.

“Therefore, there would be an opportunity in the future to join the two buildings and provide expanded healthcare facilities.”

“However, this is not guaranteed as there are no proposals for such an extension, and the proposed building could operate as any financial, professional or other service in the interim and beyond.”

For the decision notice, see here.