Plans for a 115-home development on a historic Aberdeenshire estate will go before councillors next week.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee are being asked to approve the conditions of a masterplan for the work at the Fasque Estate, near Fettercairn.
The development is proposing 115 homes, a visitor’s centre, and a cafe and farm shop at the site off the Cairn O’ Mount road.
The estate is home to a large amount of woodlands, a deer park and the historic Fasque House – which has recently undergone redevelopment.
Councillors are being asked to approve matters specified in the conditions of the masterplan across two planning applications.
One is for the layout, siting and design of 41 homes within the masterplan and the other is for access, infrastructure and landscaping for the whole site.
Both applications for the homes have received 12 objections from locals.
Many were worried the housing was not in keeping with the style of the historic buildings of the estate.
Council spokeswoman, Jane Weir, said the objections have been “considered and largely addressed by the agent and design team”, adding: “It is considered the amendments reflect this”.
“It can be assessed on balance that the proposal in its amended form is acceptable”.
“The proposal has advanced throughout the assessment of this application and it is the opinion of the planning service that the layout, siting and design of zones one and two and associated landscaping and road construction is appropriate.
“The layout and external appearance do not have a significant visual impact on the historic setting or designed landscape or character of the estate and local area.
“The material finishes have improved and the landscaping and planting is suitable for this development.”
She added the proposals for access, infrastructure and landscaping were “acceptable”.
Councillors will discuss the planning applications at its meeting at Viewmount, Stonehaven, next Tuesday.