A fresh planning application has been lodged for kennels at the site of a former illegal puppy farm.
Planning consent for one-year was granted last October for the facility at East Mains of Ardlogie, Fyvie, despite concerns over noise.
The Scottish SPCA and other animal welfare groups raised fears when a bid was then made to secure a dog breeding licence for the remote site.
It sparked particular concern as it was submitted by a woman, three of whose family members were prosecuted for keeping dogs in appalling conditions there in 2014.
The licence application was withdrawn last month shortly before it was due to be considered by the Formartine area committee.
Temporary planning permission for the kennels themselves expired last week but a new application is being submitted.
It is understood not to be in the name of the previous applicants.
The original consent specified that any renewal submission would have to include “plans for noise mitigation and screening to preserve the amenity of the area”.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: “A new application was received on October 7 and is currently invalid pending confirmation of a number of details.
“Any potential enforcement action in respect of any breach of planning would be held, pending the outcome of a new application.”