A business park which could create as a many as 70 jobs in a Buchan village could pass its final hurdle later this week.
Peterhead councillors have already backed a scheme to create business land on the edge of Mintlaw, but the project, headed by Colaren Homes, needs the final go-ahead from Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services.
And on Thursday, the local authority’s service director, Stephen Archer, has advised the committee to sanction the project.
The Northwoods Eco Business Park includes land for a new council roads department and recycling centre, as well as a new base for its applicants.
The firm, which is currently located in Faserburgh, is hoping to create a new timber house-kit manufacturing facility at the site.
Several smaller industrial units will also be established which will be rented out to businesses.
In total, the firm believes about 70 jobs could be brought to the village.
And last night, Gary Purves, Colaren’s land manager, confirmed construction could begin next year if approval is finally granted for a venture, first mooted in 2005.
Mr Purves added: “We have held several public consultation events and, on the whole, the feedback has been very positive.
“The business park would create dozens of new jobs in the expansion of Colaren Homes and also in the construction phase of the overall business park development.
“We also plan to create smaller industrial units that will be available for local businesses to rent. We are hopeful that the infrastructure services committee will endorse the decision of the Buchan area committee, which was to unanimously approve the application, so individual detailed planning applications can come forward for the development.”
Objectors, however, have argued the project would cause traffic problems in the area.
And local woman Fiona Pringle suggested the jobs available would go to staff relocating from other sites rather than employing locals.