The race to be the builder of Stonehaven’s first large-scale supermarket will continue this week.
Residents have long called for a bigger selection of grocery shops in the town – and there are currently five rival bids on the table.
Tomorrow, members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee will be asked for their views on two of the proposed schemes, at the Ury Estate and Mill of Forest.
And now Stewart Milne Homes has announced it will be lodging its finalised plans for a site at Mains of Cowie this week.
The developer wants to build a supermarket, petrol station and 400 homes on the edge-of-town site.
The 84 acres of land, which is currently in agricultural use, would also include space for a primary school, community facilities and parkland.
Earlier this year local councillors agreed the site was their preferred choice for the new local development plan.
However, the council’s infrastructure services committee refused to include the scheme after hearing there was not enough public support for it.
The final plans which will be submitted to the local authority have been altered in response to comments made during three public consultations, and if approved could create 177 construction and 180 retail jobs.
Marianne Evans, area director of strategic land for Stewart Milne, said the proposals had been revised in response to feedback from three public consultations heard earlier this year, and reflected the needs of the community and town centre.
She said: “We were greatly encouraged by the positive and active participation of the community in our extensive consultation process and our planning application truly reflects that engagement.
“Our planning application illustrates our commitment to the sustainable growth and quality of life in Stonehaven. We recognise that the town has special qualities but also a need to provide opportunities and choice in terms of housing, particularly for younger people.
“We have identified a model for the growth of the town that we believe is highly attractive, deliverable and in keeping with the historical development of the town.”
If approved the developer hopes to start work on the phased scheme early next year, with about 50 homes being built each year.