Plans for the first phase of a huge housing development in the Mearns have been lodged.
Kirkwood Homes eventually wants to build 885 homes at Conveth Mains, Laurencekirk, along with space for businesses and shops.
The Sauchen-based firm’s masterplan for the 278-acre site was approved last year, and now proposals for the first 310 houses have been lodged with Aberdeenshire Council.
Allan Rae, land director at Kirkwood Homes, said he believed the project would “kick-start” the planned expansion of Laurencekirk.
He said: “After over four years of consultation with the local community and other stakeholders, Kirkwood Homes are pleased to have finally submitted an application for the first phase of development at Conveth Mains.
“A substantial amount of work and careful consideration has gone into producing the proposals.
“We firmly believe that the proposal not only fully conforms with the principles of both the development framework and masterplan that was agreed for the site by Aberdeenshire Council last year, but will importantly kick-start the long-term sustainable and planned expansion of the town.”
Members of the Kincardine and Mearns area committee approved the masterplan for the development last year.
As well as the housing, 66 acres of employment land will be created on the site, which is opposite the new Mearns Academy community campus.
The homes will be developed in six phases.