Objections have been lodged against a housing development which could increase the population of a north-east community by 20% – and leave space for a new railway.
Claymore Homes has applied to build 150 homes on the outskirts of Cruden Bay, in addition to creating infrastructure for the site and room for affordable housing in the future.
A masterplan for the scheme was agreed by councillors in September.
The developer has since worked with north-east architects Baxter Design on the proposal for the site off Aulton Road and Golf Road, which includes space for a railway line to cut through the village should long-term hopes of reopening the Buchan line come to fruition.
But local people are concerned that the development could affect their own property, the village’s school and roads.
In letters of objections submitted against the plan, residents are also concerned that the homes will be built too close to other properties and thus “overshadow” their houses.
And Fiona Laird, who stays in Chapel Road, fears the A90 Peterhead to Aberdeen route which will service the new homes will be pushed beyond its limits.
In her objection, she said: “With the influx of a potential 300 extra cars this road will become immensely dangerous.
“This gives me grave concerns for the future and the impending impact on my house and living standards. I hope the planning committee will see fit to address my concerns.”
Neighbour David Walker said: “For the last nearly eight years myself and my family have enjoyed living in the peaceful surroundings of our home at Chapel Road Cruden Bay.
“We have a quiet street at the front of our property and fields to the rear.
“We have until now enjoyed a safe and peaceful setting in which to raise our
young children with an excellent degree of privacy. Claymore plans now threaten to disrupt this.
“I believe our children currently receive a very good standard of education at the local primary school. A further 150 family homes will undoubtedly add a considerable number of children to the school having in my view a negative impact on their education.”
Education officers, however, have confirmed there is “sufficient capacity” at the local primary and secondary schools for a large intake of new children.