Councillors have approved plans for the major expansion of a north-east village.
Bancon Homes wants to create a 500-home development at Nether Aden near Mintlaw.
The Banchory-based developers said the proposals would form a “sustainable expansion” of the community.
The project will be made up of 375 houses, 175 flats and 20 sheltered units and would be built on the south side of the village.
‘Big change’ planned for Mintlaw as proposal for 550 new homes to be heard by councillors
There would also be new business premises, a care home, nursery and community and retail buildings.
Three objections were received by planning officials with concerns over pedestrian links, road safety concerns and privacy being raised.
Members of the Buchan area committee met in Peterhead yesterday to discuss the blueprints.
And Mintlaw councillor Jim Ingram said he was “delighted” that the plans were being discussed.
He said: “I am delighted to see it coming here today because it means at long last we are getting progress.
“The progress it brings will mean a lot of opportunity for the village.
“There will be elements of pain for the village but it will benefit in the fullness of time that this can bring.
“I certainly want to see the village grow and benefit from growth.
“I know Mintlaw and its problems and they can only be solved by additional growth.
“We are putting together a complete package together for the good of Mintlaw and I want to see it go ahead.”
Mr Ingram backed the plan for approval and was seconded by his Central Buchan ward colleague councillor Anne Simpson.
Last night, Bancon Homes managing director Allan Clow welcomed the committee’s decision to grant the project planning permission in principal.
He said: “Bancon Homes are delighted to be making progress with our plans for Mintlaw and shall be working with the council to finalise the detailed design prior to our starting on site.
“We look forward to delivering a high quality development with contemporary house design and award-winning customer service.
“The development will also significantly enhance the local amenity and help deliver improved community facilities.”
Meanwhile, a separate project to build 12 new homes at Nether Aden was rejected.
Developers David Barron and Rural Projects had hoped to create the properties in a series of plots.
Councillors followed the advice of planning officials and refused planning permission.
