Councillors have today given approval to plans for a huge expansion of the Bridge of Don area of Aberdeen.
The development at Grandhome Estate – which will include 4,700 homes split into five neighbourhoods – was granted permission in principle by the local authority’s planning development management committee.
The estate will include a town centre, shops, schools, community facilities and land for commercial use.
Bruce Smith, trustee and spokesman for applicant the Grandhome Trust, said afterwards that the scheme will involve nearly £1billion of investment.
He predicted it will have a “significant economic impact” in and around Aberdeen and will help meet the city’s future housing needs.
Mr Smith said: “Our vision is to provide an attractive and vibrant community in which to live and work, and which will contribute greatly to the long-term sustainability and success of Aberdeen.
“Grandhome will be delivered in strategic phases over the next 25+ years.
“We will continue to work with the city council to ensure that our vision is realised throughout the subsequent stages of planning and during the actual creation of the first neighbourhoods and wider community in the years ahead.”
Dyce, Bucksburn and Danestone councillor Neil McGregor had earlier moved to refuse the application on the basis that the local roads network would not be able to cope with the increased traffic from the development.
His amendment was voted down by 12-3, however. The applicant will be asked if it is possible to bring forward the provision of a travellers site, which will form part of the plans, in the first phase of the development.