Aberdeen's proposed new stadium moved a step closer after the club formally confirmed their intention to enter into a public consultation over the development. The Dons are hoping to relocate from Pittodrie to Loirston Loch in Nigg, which was last year recommended as the most viable location for the ground.

The club have submitted their plans for public consultation to Aberdeen City Council - who are expected to co-fund the development - Nigg Community Council and Cove & Altens Community Council.

The respective councils have 21 days to approve or reject those plans. Should they be approved, the public consultation itself would last 12 weeks, after which the club will file a planning application for the development.

The Dons said in a statement: "As part of the process towards the construction of a new sports and leisure arena which will be the home of Aberdeen FC, the club has confirmed it has today submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to Aberdeen City Council, Nigg Community Council and Cove & Altens Community Council, confirming a planning application will follow in 12 weeks' time subsequent to a period of pre-application consultation activity.

"There will be no additional comment from the club until the formal consultation process is agreed with Aberdeen City Council (up to 21 days)."