Members of Aberdeen City Council's Policy and Strategy Committee overwhelmingly voted by 13 votes 4 to approve a report about the optimum site for a new community stadium, a synopsis of the year long feasibility studies which assessed Loirston Loch as the most deliverable location for a new stadium. However the matter has now been referred to full council next month for a final decision.

The report, which was made public earlier this month, summarises the benefits and challenges of both Loirston and the King's Links, the other site which was examined by specialist consultants.

The Arena Project Team, a partnership between Aberdeen Football Club and Aberdeen City Council, was tasked with overseeing the process of selecting the best location for a new community stadium.

Chairperson Kate Dean says that today's decision marks another move towards the building of a new stadium.

"There has been a lot of debate about a new stadium for Aberdeen and many people have their own strongly held opinions on where this facility should be," she said.

"Right from the outset, we believed that it was essential to closely examine each of the locations, assessing the benefits and challenges of each so we would be able to make an informed decision about which is the most deliverable.

"The consultants have assessed that Loirston is, beyond doubt, the best location and this report details how they have come to this decision. This document has been available to the public as we believe that it is vital to be transparent as possible and ensure that communities are able to see the contents of this important report."

Duncan Fraser, managing director of Aberdeen Football Club and a member of the Arena Project Board, said: "We have long said that AFC needs to find a new home because Pittodrie is an outdated stadium and redevelopment isn't viable. Aberdeen Football Club needs to move.

"Consultants were appointed to look at each of the sites and their decision is that Loirston is the only deliverable option. In the past, we have looked at other locations and there are no other options for a stadium in the city.

"We appreciate that many fans feel that the beach is the spiritual home of Aberdeen Football Club but this report clearly sets out why the King's Links is not viable.

"We are very grateful for all the work done by the consultants and we appreciate the time that has been taken by members of the Policy and Strategy Committee to discuss this report, which is so important in the bid for a new stadium for Aberdeen."