Developers have been given more time to work on their multi-million pound project on the grounds of the former Inverurie paper mill site.
The Kilbride Group was granted planning permission in 2010 to develop a 50-bedroom hotel and business park.
But even though the Surrey-based developers later came forward with plans for an access road, which were approved, no work has yet been started.
Yesterday, the Garioch area committee granted their request to extend the time limit of the consent from three to six years so they can full develop the site.
Last night Peter Frost, managing director of the Kilbride Group, said he was delighted the councillors had unanimously agreed to “effectively renew” the planning permission, and said it would allow the project to move forward.
He said: “We’re delighted that the planning application has been renewed so that we can plan the delivery of the infrastructure and continue to market the site.”
More than 300 jobs could be created with the development, which will be built on land spanning 65 acres on the site of the former paper mill near the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road.
Among the retailers already signed up to the site is Craigdon Mountain Sports.
The Aberdeenshire-based Kirkwood Group also bought 100 acres of the site, and have created a commercial park where several businesses have already relocated to.
The Sauchen firm’s £70million plans include leasing existing mill buildings and offices, and later developing land to the north of the site. They also want to built an energy-from-waste (EfW) plant in one of the old buildings, which could generate enough electricity to power 4,000 homes.