Aberdeen City Council’s planning committee has granted approval for Kirkwood Homes to proceed with plans to demolish the former Hazlewood School in Hazlehead, making way for a new residential development comprising 24 homes. The decision, made at a recent planning committee meeting, includes a mandate for developer contributions to support the expansion of classrooms at the under-construction Hazlehead Academy Campus.
Hazlewood School, a former special needs facility on Fernilea Road, closed its doors in 2017 as part of a wider school merger. The site, which previously housed a gym hall and swimming pool, was subsequently put up for sale as a redevelopment opportunity.
The approved plans outline the construction of 18 private residences and six affordable homes. Kirkwood Homes’ proposals detail mostly three or four-bedroom properties, alongside two larger five-bedroom options. These homes are designed to include modern features such as en-suite bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, studies, linen closets, and integrated garages, aiming to provide “much needed private and affordable family homes” in the area.
During the planning process, local residents voiced several concerns. Neighbours along Kings Gate highlighted worries regarding the potential loss of access to the rear of their properties, as well as issues related to sewage and the preservation of mature trees. The Craigiebuckler and Seafield Community Council also lodged an objection, citing fears of increased traffic congestion in the vicinity.
Addressing these concerns, Alan Rae, Land Director at Kirkwood Homes, informed the committee that extensive public consultations had been conducted. He stated that community feedback “added significantly” to their understanding of the site and its associated issues. Mr Rae affirmed: “I believe the proposal is better for having had the community’s input to it,” and noted that “significant changes made to the layout” were a direct result of these engagements, particularly benefiting residents at 270-274 Kings Gate.
The committee meeting saw councillors scrutinise various aspects of the development. Councillor Martin Greig raised questions about visitor parking provisions and the possibility of introducing double yellow lines along Woodend Crescent. Planning officer Laura Robertson deemed the proposed parking adequate, with roads officers indicating that double yellow lines could be considered later if necessary.
Councillor Marie Boulton enquired about flood mitigation strategies and the responsibility for drainage. Ms Robertson confirmed that the flooding team had been consulted and approved the proposed drainage scheme, with Scottish Water designated to manage the drainage.
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A significant point of discussion was the potential impact on local school capacities, given that nearby schools are reportedly operating at full capacity. Service Manager Andrew Jones projected that the development would contribute “a relatively small number of pupils,” estimated at two or three. He clarified that developer contributions would be sought “to assist with any adjustments that may be needed to the buildings to mitigate the impact of the development on school rolls,” specifically contributing to the new Hazlehead Academy Campus, which is being built with an increased capacity.
The new £124 million Hazlehead Academy Campus is currently under construction on the existing school’s playing fields, with work having commenced in March 2026. This new campus, designed to accommodate up to 1,600 pupils and serve an expanded catchment area, is slated for opening in August 2028, with the demolition of current school buildings and completion of external sports facilities expected by summer 2029.
Kirkwood Homes anticipates commencing demolition of the former Hazlewood School site early next year, with the construction of new homes, roads, and drainage projected to take between two and three years. The development received unanimous approval from the councillors. While acknowledging Councillor Greig’s concerns regarding parking, convener Ciaran McRae confirmed that monitoring would continue, and any future issues could be revisited by the committee.
