A pre-determination hearing to discuss a major planning application in lower Deeside has been postponed for a second time.
Proposals for a new community, including 1,500 houses and supporting infrastructure at Kincluny Village on the site of Park Quarry were scheduled for discussion on June 1.
However, because of concerns about the sustainability and capacity of Park Bridge, which links north and south Deeside, the hearing has been delayed to allow for a survey of the bridge to take place.
The structure is currently subject to weight restrictions and was closed earlier this year due to flood-related damage.
Kincardine and Mearns Area Manager, Willie Munro, said: “We appreciate this is the second postponement of the pre-determination hearing.
“We realise this may cause some inconvenience to those who have an interest in the application and had intended to address or simply attend the pre-determination hearing.
“Given the importance and the high level of interest in this aspect of the application, it is considered that information on Park Bridge and the implications of this structure on the determination of the application is made available in advance of the hearing and the extra time will allow this to happen.”
A previous hearing, on March 2, was cancelled at the request of developer, Chap Group, to allow time for relevant information to be submitted.
Douglas Thomson, joint managing director of the Chap Group, said: “We agree with Aberdeenshire Council’s decision to postpone the pre-determination hearing.
“It is vitally important councillors and the local community have all information at hand to ensure an informed and robust hearing takes place.
“We will continue to work with the council and other statutory consultees in the coming months to discuss the situation as well as the opportunity that the Kincluny Village proposals could present should there be a need, following the structural survey, to improve or indeed deliver a new link across the Dee at this location.”
A revised date of October 6 has been proposed for the hearing, with the planning application expected to be determined by Aberdeenshire Council at its meeting on November 24.