Councillors have rejected plans for Aberdeen FC and Cove Rangers to build a community stadium at Calder Park.

Both clubs had intended to share training facilities at the sports complex but the full Aberdeen City Council voted 24–19 against the plan.

Instead they voted to take control of the council land previously leased to Cove Rangers Football Club and enter into new negotiations with the Highland League club with regards to assisting their relocation.

Dons chairman Stewart Milne spoke at the meeting and told councillors the future of Aberdeen FC would be in doubt if they voted against the plan.

He said it would kill off Aberdeen’s plans to build a new stadium at nearby Loirston Loch.

The Dons chief also claimed the club would have to shrink Pittodrie and play any European games in the central belt.

Earlier in the day the full council had also voted against £140m plans to redevelop Union Terrace Gardens.

SNP group leader Callum McCaig said Aberdeen had lost out on two opportunities to improve the city.

He added: "The message that has gone out today is that Aberdeen is closed for business and for development. The Labour Party and their administration colleagues have thrown out two major infrastructure developments in the one day."