A new retail unit by the side of the A96 could create jobs and benefit residents in the village of Blackburn.
Taylor Architecture and Building Consultants Ltd have applied on behalf of Such Fornet Estates to expand the Westpark Business Park.
Options for a new retail unit – which could be a bakery, restaurant or cafe – are being discussed.
Aberdeenshire Council is yet to grant planning permission, but the applicants propose introducing 11 electric vehicle stations at the unit.
Starbucks has been operating successfully on the business park since 2017, attracting custom from Blackburn and the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road.
A planning statement, prepared by Ryden LLP on behalf of South Fornet Estates reads: “Market conditions within the north-east remain difficult, resulting from the recent downturn experienced with the oil and gas industry.
“Our client is, however, keen to diversify the offering at Westpark to stimulate greater market interest as well as supplement the existing business and commercial uses established within the park through the provision of an additional retail or cafe unit.”
The firm said the addition of an electric vehicle ultrafast charging station would enable those stopping to fully charge a vehicle within about 30 minutes.