The owner of the north-east’s biggest mart have won their fight to expand a business park and create hundreds of jobs.
The ANM Group appealed to the Scottish Government after their multimillion-pound plans for Thainstone Business Park, near Inverurie, were rejected by the council last year.
Now their £4million vision – which will create up to 500 jobs – has been approved, on the condition the group contributes towards the reopening of Kintore Railway Station.
Last night, bosses at the firm said the decision was a major step in transforming the area in the future.
Chief executive Grant Rogerson said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government reporter has upheld our appeal and granted planning permission in principle for commercial development at Thainstone Business Park.
“As one of Scotland’s leading farming, food and finance businesses, we are very proud of our strong history at Thainstone and continually strive to move the business forward on a positive basis.
“This expansion is a testament to our commitment to the Thainstone hub, our members and customers, the local community and the north-east.
“We are in the process of reviewing the reporter’s notice of intention and will determine what our next steps are in the near future.”
The proposals were described as a “leap of faith” by councillors last August when they rejected them amid concerns over the visual impact on the surrounding landscape and increased traffic on nearby roads.
Construction of a long-awaited new abattoir in the north-east had also been dependent on ANM Group securing planning consent for the business park expansion.
The developers were unable to confirm whether the facility would still be a part of the proposals.
Newly-elected Inverurie and District councillor Neil Baillie welcomed the announcement.
He said: “It’s very difficult times in the north-east and all over Scotland just now, but it’s good to see there’s still projects like this that can add and benefit the local economy.
“There will be a lot of questions and issues to be eked out regarding businesses in the area but these will be dealt with as the project progresses.”
Inverurie Business Association, who supported the plans when they were first proposed, said it was “looking forward” to seeing how the plan progressed.
Aberdeenshire Council confirmed it was aware of the reporter’s decision.
A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “We note the decision of the Scottish Government which will be reported to a future meeting of Garioch area committee.”
The Scottish Government confirmed the reporter had looked at two separate applications for the site.
A spokeswoman said: “An independent reporter from the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) has issued a notice intimating that he is minded to grant planning permission for a commercial development with associated infrastructure on land to the west of Thainstone Business Park, Inverurie.
“This is subject to agreement being reached between the developer and the council to secure a financial contribution to the Kintore Railway Station.
“A second planning appeal was allowed relating to the installation of drainage infrastructure at the same site.”
