Aberdeen councils development committee voted seven to four to support the £40m office scheme of four integrated blocks, one nine storeys high.

The Triple Kirks A-listed red-brick spire will be retained as part of the development and conditions have been imposed to encourage its continued use as a nesting site for peregrine falcons.

Over the past 30 years several developments were proposed for the prominent site, but none came to fruition.

The new buildings will be clad in dark grey glazed curtain walling with granite surrounds, cladding panels with a steel finish which weathers naturally to a rust colour, and granite cladding.

Malcolm Deans, managing director of Stewart Milne Developments, said: “With planning consent granted, we will be actively marketing the development and are confident that, with the current lack of office space of this quality and stature, we will secure a high profile pre-let.”

Councillors also gave their unanimous approval to plans for 740 homes on Wellington Road.

However, they will only get the final go-ahead once legal agreements have been reached over road improvements and affordable housing.