Aberdeen stadium move given boost

Pittodrie Stadium is to be pulled down and the site used for housing

Aberdeen's move to a new stadium moved a step closer after the redevelopment of their present Pittodrie site was given outline planning permission.

It is set to be transformed into a residential complex, with the Dons looking to move to a modern arena.

Dons chief executive Duncan Fraser welcomed this week's decision by Aberdeen City Council.

"It's another positive step in the process of the move to a new stadium," he told Aberdeen's club website.

"And I would like to thank everyone involved, both internally and our external partners, in helping us reach this stage.

"However, while it is another important piece of the jigsaw in place, there still remains a great deal of work to be done in what is a massive undertaking for this club."

In February, the council approved Aberdeen's plan for the new £40m, 21,000-capacity stadium at Loirston Loch in the south of Aberdeen, although it is still to be scrutinised by Scottish ministers.