Plans for a major new housing development at a north-east village have been held up amid concerns over local infrastructure.
Planning chiefs had backed Barratt North Scotland’s proposals for 121 new homes at Newtonhill.
However, at a meeting of Aberdeenshire Council’s Kincardine and Deeside area committee yesterday, councillors moved to defer the decision.
They have asked planners for further information on how the proposals would impact on local schools, transportation, and associated infrastructure in the coastal community.
The scheme – which consists of 109 houses and 12 flats, with 30 of the properties categorised as affordable – has seen a deluge of protest from the local community, with 651 letters of objection submitted to the council.
Councillor Colin Pike said: “This application has created a lot of unsettlement in the community.
“An almost unprecedented number of people, members of the public, have made representation.
“I think we have a duty not to ignore that.”
Barratt North Scotland said the development was sensitively designed and met local needs.
But representatives from Newtonhill, Muchalls and Cammachmore community council made an impassioned plea for councillors to reject the plans.
Chair Michael Morgan said the application was simply too big, adding that it “offers nothing of value to Newtonhill.”
Vice-chair Alison Daniels said: “There is no strategic need for this development.
“It offers Newtonhill nothing but an extra burden on schools, childcare, after-school provision and health services.
“It impacts badly on infrastructure, open spaces and residential amenities.”
Councillor Ian Mollison moved to defer the proposals, citing the need for further information.
The committee agreed, and once clarity has been provided on local schools, transportation, and associated infrastructure, the proposals will once again come before the committee, it is hoped by the end of the year.