More than 400 homes and a new primary school could be built in a north-east town under proposals unveiled by Aberdeenshire Council.
The local authority has unveiled a masterplan for Turriff which aims to provide a boost to the community if approved by local councillors.
Councillors will examine the scheme – which was first mooted in 2012 when the land at Balmellie and Delgaty was identified by planners – at a meeting next week.
If approved, it is hoped that a developer will come forward to bring the project to fruition during two phases of construction.
In total, the 103-acre masterplan site allows for the creation of 450 homes, including space for a new primary school and employment land.
In a report to local councillors, Stephen Archer, the council’s director of infrastructure services, confirmed that 130 homes are planned for the first phase.
He stated: “This masterplan suggests a two-phase strategy delivering up to 130 residential units in the first phase and 320 units in the second phase with landscaping and infrastructure to be delivered in the early stages of development.
“The masterplan seeks to provide a mix of house types and sizes with varied density across the site. Details of house types have not been finalised and will most probably be dictated by the market and demographics.
“But it is the intention to provide dwellings that take into account the surrounding landscape as well as place making principles.”
A quarter of all the homes built will be deemed “affordable” and the scheme has gained the support of a local businesswoman.
Rose Logan, who runs North East Boiler Sales and Services in Turriff, said she imagined the community would react positively to the plans going ahead.
The former chairwoman of the town’s community council added: “I think they would certainly support it and welcome something of this scale to help boost things.
“As a businesswoman, it would bring the possibility of employment and more small business to the town.”
