Plans to expand a retail park in Peterhead could be approved after a national transport body said it would have “minimal” impact on traffic.
EG Group want to build a 24-hour petrol station and drive-through coffee shop at the Buchan Gateway.
Members of the Buchan area committee discussed the proposal in May, but did not reach a final decision.
They wanted more information on traffic management measures, public transport and pedestrian links.
Now Transport Scotland have responded to the concerns raised by councillors at the start of the summer.
An updated transport assessment has been submitted by the national body.
It found the impact of traffic on the roads around the site, which is near the Invernettie roundabout, would be “minimal.”
There were also concerns raised about the lack of a bus stop at the retail park, although transport bosses said it would be “unreasonable” to include a halt with this proposal.
A report by Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure boss Stephen Archer features the updated responses from Transport Scotland.
It said: “In terms of the roads capacity, the transport statement found that no mitigation measures were required as the impact on the surrounding road network would be minimal.
“Transport Scotland confirm that it would be possible to locate two bus stops to the south of the Invernettie Roundabout on the A90.
“The transportation team has advised that, due to the existence of bus stops within the 400 metre threshold for walking distance of the site, and the demand for a petrol station and drive-through restaurant being primarily car driven in nature it would be unreasonable to request a bus stop with the expected usage, as the proposed development would create insufficient usage for buses.”
If the scheme is approved planners have also asked the developers to build an accessible footpath to the site for pedestrians and cyclists.
Fears over the impact of the project on businesses were previously raised by Garry Haigh, who runs Peterhead Motors.
Mr Haigh claimed businesses in the town would “suffer” if the petrol station plans are given the green light.
He is due to address the Buchan area committee for a second time on Tuesday when they make a final decision on the proposal.
