Cala Homes have been told they can push ahead with the building of almost 60 new homes in one of the north-east’s largest towns.
Infrastructure chiefs backed the developer’s plans for 57 properties adjacent to Crawford Road in Inverurie despite lingering concerns over the site chosen.
The proposals were first discussed by councillors on the Garioch area committee in May but were deferred to allow a masterplan for the location to be created as part of it is out with the Aberdeenshire local development plan.
In June the Garioch councillors gave their approval to the scheme and passed it to the infrastructure services committee for a final decision.
That last hurdle has now been passed with the detailed plan consisting of 43 four and five-bedroom houses and 14 affordable homes, along with a play area.
Planning officers had recommended the committee approve the plans, noting it would create more choice in the local housing market and provide much-needed affordable homes.
They also praised the detail of the plan, saying the revised design made the most of a site that had “limitations”.
Councillor Ian Mollison, North Kincardine ward, said he had some concerns about the reasons given by planning officers for departing from the LDP.
He said: “Does that not open us up to giving planning approval to any development in the future because that gives choice in the market?”
Mr Mollison was assured by the council’s planning officer that each application would have to be judged on its own merits.
But after committee chairman Peter Argyle put forward a motion in support of the application Mr Mollison again reiterated his earlier concern and asked officers to ensure the reasons for approval were “beefed up”.
The committee instructed officers to provide a more detailed version of their recommendations but nonetheless approved the plans.
Mike Naysmith, managing director of CALA Homes (North), said: “We are delighted to have secured approval of our plans for a new community of family homes in Inverurie.
“Our last development in the area, which comprised apartments at Priory Park, was many years ago, therefore we’re looking forward to returning with a new offering for homebuyers.
“We have strong links to the area with our ongoing sponsorship of Inverurie Locos Works FC and its annual Business Lunch and our support of Garioch Sports Centre and are looking forward to investing in the town further with the arrival of this development.
“Our plans have been carefully considered to ensure the new neighbourhood will complement the existing surroundings and bring numerous benefits to the area, including enhanced links to neighbouring developments, speed calming measures, community open space, a playpark and contributions to local amenities.”
Work on the new development will begin in autumn 2018.
