Plans for an £8.5million sports centre in a Deeside town have taken another step closer to becoming a reality.
Residents of Banchory have called for upgraded sports facilities for many years and now their goal is one step closer to the finishing line.
Outline plans for Banchory Sports Village were approved by Aberdeenshire Council last October, and now the policy and resources committee have recommended the detailed planning application should be submitted.
The facility would be equipped with a six-lane, 25m pond and separate learners’ pool, a four-court sports hall, two squash courts and a fitness suite.
The community is aiming to raise £700,000 towards the cost of the project, and are already well on their way to reaching the target.
Committee chairman Martin Kitts-Hayes said it would be a “vital piece of local infrastructure.”
He said: “This facility will, when operations, make a significant difference to the community.
“The facility has been designed to be flexible, accessible and inclusive and the committee was unanimous in its support for this vital piece of local infrastructure.”
The facility will be located at the Hill of Banchory within a wider Bancon Homes development for 90 homes, shops and a care home.
As well as signalling for the plans to move forward, the committee unanimously backed a report detailing its progress.
Vice-chairman Richard Thomson said it would be an “integral part of the community.”
He said: “We are pleased to deliver a facility to the community with such high sustainability credentials and one which has the potential to significantly improve lives.
“We are confident that this will become an integral part of the community when it is delivered.
“This decision today keeps the pressure on to deliver this facility and the council is making a significant investment which shows the importance that we place on this project.”