Plans for a 3,000-home development on the western outskirts of Aberdeen have been put on hold.
The council’s planning development management committee today voted to defer the £700million application from north-east businessmen Stewart Milne and Ian Suttie.
Members were split on the application, which includes primary and secondary schools, shops, leisure facilities and land for employment use.
The scheme was earmarked for approval by local authority officials, is included in the city’s development plan and also has the backing of the UK Government.
The Treasury has guaranteed an £80million loan to help finance the development as part of nationwide scheme to boost private investment in infrastructure.
The 410-acre farmland site lies between Bieldside to the south and Kingswells to the north.
It is bounded to the east by Hazlehead woods, park and golf courses, and to the west by Foggieton and Countesswells Wood.
Concerns were raised about the impact on traffic, delivery of the new schools, the road layout and the management of green space.
Convener Ramsay Milne had the casting vote, and decided to back the proposal. However, there were enough members of the committee who disagreed to have a final decision delayed until the next full council meeting in October.
More to follow