Proposals for a major housing development which would bring more than 700 homes and a school to a north-east town have moved a step closer.
Dandara lodged the application for 737 houses, offices and a primary school at Crichie Farm on the outskirts of Inverurie.
Aberdeenshire councillors have now agreed the plans in principle.
A total of 300 houses are planned for the first phase of the development and another 437 during the second – with 25% being classed as affordable.
However, councillors have asked for more detailed proposals to come before the Garioch area committee for discussion in the future.
Inverurie Councillor Martin Kitts-Hayes said: “It is hugely important that we are talking about phasing the site so that we don’t end up building four, five or six bedroom homes.
“It is important that as part of the process we have some input in the phasing stage.”
Councillors had already approved the masterplan for the 218-acre site, which lies on farmland south-west of Port Elphinstone, but have asked for a site visit before the application goes any further.
The development, which would include a village square, local shops and other community facilities, would be accessed by a proposed underpass from the A96.
Developer contributions would be sought to pay for a new primary school or to go towards a replacement for Port Elphinstone Primary as well as new secondary school accommodation.
West Garioch councillor Sheena Lonchay said she wanted to see more detail about the community facilities in the plans.
She said: “When this comes back I want to see more details about where groups such as the Girl Guides will meet.
“There needs to be more community facilities outwith the school.”
The application, which has received a small number of objections including concerns about traffic, was recommended for approval by Aberdeenshire Council officers.
A Dandara spokeswoman said: “We are pleased with the decision of the Garioch area committee.”