A new community of 3,000 homes will be built in the west of Aberdeen after councillors approved the £700m plans.
The major development at Countesswells was tabled by a consortium headed by north-east businessmen Stewart Milne and Ian Suttie.
Councillors yesterday granted planning permission in principle for the scheme at a full council meeting.
The development, which includes primary and secondary schools, shops, leisure facilities and land for employment use – has also won the backing of the UK Government.
The Treasury has guaranteed an £80million loan 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 had been raised by community councils in the area about the impact of the development on the already-stretched road network.
At the meeting yesterday, planning committee convener and Labour member Ramsay Milne moved for approval of the application.
Mr Milne said the plans were “ambitious” and in keeping with the administration’s vision for the future of the city.
Councillor Bill Cormie, SNP member for Midstocket and Rosemount, added that the city was “crying out” for new homes.
Deputy council leader Marie Boulton moved refusal of the plans. She said the proposal was “inadequate” in terms of local infrastructure.
She said: “Country roads without pavements are going to have to accommodate a development of 3,000 houses.”
She was backed by Conservative Ross Thomson, who said it would be a “dereliction of duty” to approve the plans before major roads projects such as the city bypass and the third Don crossing were in place.
After a debate of about two hours, approval was granted by 31 to 9.
Speaking afterwards, Glenn Allison, chief executive officer of the Stewart Milne Group, said: “This is an important step towards the creation of a new community of strategic significance for Aberdeen and the north-east of Scotland and we look forward to continuing working with the council to obtain the consents required to deliver Countesswells.
“Our collective vision is to provide an attractive and vibrant community in which to live and work, which will contribute to the long-term economic and social sustainability and success of Aberdeen and its surroundings”.