Plans to expand an Aberdeenshire village will be considered next week.
Stewart Milne Homes has already had its masterplan for the Newmachar site approved by councillors, but is now seeking planning permission in principle for the 300 homes.
The firm has also amended its blueprint to ensure primary school provision meets demand.
Originally, the developer had allocated a four acre site in the north-west of the site that would be “safeguarded” for a potential new school.
But after the masterplan was approved, further talks with education and planning bosses highlighted the area would be too small and that the minimum area for a 300-capacity school would be five acres.
The developer revised their layout, increasing the size of the site for the school and moving houses to the front of the village’s Station Road.
Director of infrastructure services Stephen Archer tells members: “The addendum to the masterplan is considered to better reflect the specific requirements that will enable the successful future development of the site and creation of an attractive extension to Newmachar.”
The 300 properties, which could boost the village’s population by about 750, will be a mix of family homes with two or more bedrooms. They will be built in two phases of 140 and 160.
Although planning officers have recommended the plans be approved, two letters of representation have been lodged with Aberdeenshire Council raising concerns that the scheme will destroy the “village ambiance” of Newmachar.
The only objector to the proposal also argues it would be irresponsible to build more homes in the village without the necessary amenities, such as school places and medical facilities.
However, Mr Archer tells members the application meets policy and should be supported. and adds: “The transport assessment states that the development would have good walking and cycling accessibility and permeability throughout. Connections to the existing footway networks at Hillbrae Way and Station Road would ensure that accessibility is provided local amenities and the village centre.”
Councillors will consider the application when they meet in the village on Tuesday.