Council planning chiefs have backed the creation of a link road for a north-east housing development despite strong community objections.
Kirkwood Homes applied for permission to build the connection on land near to the East Lodge on the Ury Estate.
The road would cut through the Polbare tree belt and continue downhill and westwards before joining the east link road at a give way junction, west of the lodge.
A stretch of the existing B979 Netherley to Stonehaven would become a shared footpath and cycleway under the plans.
Now, despite 40 objections, council planning bosses have said the scheme should be approved.
Members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee will discuss the proposals on Tuesday.
At the same meeting, they will go over plans to reduce the speed limit on the B9007 South Deeside Road at its junction with Milltimber Brae.
It could go from the current 60mph to 40mph.
Between 2013 and 2017 there was one fatality on the road, while two people were left with serious injuries and three sustained slight injuries.
In a report to councillors, infrastructure director Stephen Archer writes: “The road safety unit have favoured the 40mph limit due to the accident history at this location and have also suggested installing additional traffic calming on the westbound approach in the form of 200 and 100-yard countdown markers and 40mph repeaters throughout the 40mph speed limit.
“Subject to approval by the committee, it is proposed to undertake a four-week statutory consultation with interested parties.
“This will be followed by a 21-day public consultation, with site notices erected at the location seeking comment from anyone who wishes to make representation.”