Broadford works development plans recommended for approval

There are plans to create more than 500 flats at the site

Plans to create an "urban village" on a former industrial site in Aberdeen have been recommended for approval.

The Broadford works development will go before city councillors on Thursday 19 July.

If approved, more than 500 flats will be created and 11 listed buildings restored at the site, which has been plagued by vandalism and fires.

Firefighters have been called to the area 15 times since 2009, at a cost of more than £22,000.

The 200-year-old site was bought by millionaire Ian Suttie, but has lain empty since 2004 when Aberdeen textile business Richards closed its doors.

Listed buildings

Since then the former mill has been a target of vandals and firebugs.

A report to councillors said the works had the largest concentration of Category A-listed "at risk" buildings in Scotland.

Mr Suttie has submitted a fresh set of detailed plans which include the creation of 517 flats, about a third of which will be in some of the existing listed buildings.

There are also proposals for a nursery, restaurant and retail space.

A previous application in 2004 was also recommended for approval, but was rejected by councillors.