Proposals for a major expansion of the Bridge of Don area of Aberdeen – including 4,700 houses – have been recommended for approval by city council planners.
Officials have advised councillors that support for the Grandhome Trust application should be conditional upon securing a 25% level of affordable housing – as well as a commitment to building a gypsy-traveller halting site.
The developer will also be asked to contribute towards the cost of new primary and secondary schools, a library and health, sports and community facilities.
The trust originally tabled outline plans for the scheme at the Grandhome Estate in 2012, and has carried out an extensive consultation process with local residents.
The scheme features five “neighbourhoods” – each with its own shops and community facilities – as well as a town centre designed like a traditional high street with the potential for cinema, supermarket, gym and hotel developments.
The project also includes a 12-acre business park and 153-acres of open space for parks as well as wild areas “to promote bio-diversity”.
In a report to the council’s planning development management committee, head of planning Margaret Bochel states the application has to be considered by councillors because there have been 24 letters of representation lodged.
Bridge of Don Community Council has objected to the plans, amid concerns over the already-congested local road network and an over-provision of housing in the area.
Members also raised fears over road safety for children and suggested that transport modelling by the developer is “overly optimistic”.
There are also outstanding objections from the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and Aberdeen International Airport due to the potential impact on Perwinnes Moss radar.
Ms Bochel states in her report that issues raised by objectors “have been dealt with”, however.
She adds: “It is considered that the various conditions, including controlling occupation of the development dependent upon works to the local roads network, as well as the payment of developer contributions to ensure the provision of schools, would satisfactorily mitigate the impact of the development.”
Among the conditions attached are that no houses are occupied until a third crossing over the River Don is completed in November 2015.
The development will be limited to 500 properties prior to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route opening to traffic. The bypass is due for completion in 2018.
Members of the committee will consider the plans at a meeting on Wednesday, May 28.