A developer has said his controversial housing scheme could help bring teachers and nurses to Aberdeen if it is approved.
First Endeavour LLP wants to build 302 homes on land at Wellheads Road in Dyce, which would be run by the local authority.
But the plans have proved controversial locally and more than 283 objections have been lodged, including from the local community council, compared to just 36 letters of support.
Yesterday the council’s planning committee voted unanimously to hold a special public meeting due to the strength of feeling. It will be held at Broad Street on September 19.
Following the meeting, councillors will reconvene to make a final decision.
Last night, a spokesman for First Endeavour LLP said that they “welcomed” the chance to talk to the community and that the flats would help attract key workers.
He said: “We very much welcome the decision of a public meeting to inform the community of the positive and exciting opportunity these flats will provide.
“Especially in light of the front page piece of today’s Press and Journal where it states a 140 plus shortfall in teachers (in the north-east).
“Time and again the lack of council and affordable housing is cited as a reason for the critical situation in attracting key workers.
“Our development will be there to address that situation.”
Objections have centred on a claimed over-development of the Dyce area and the potential of more pressure on schools and health facilities.
The council’s environmental health team has objected to the proposal, citing the potential of disruption by aircraft noise from the nearby airport for residents of the development.
Local authority leaders have pledged to build more than 2,000 council homes over the next four years to tackle the backlog of more than 6,000.
The homes had been envisaged as affordable social housing but the plans were then altered so they would become council flats.
The development would be comprised of 302 flats across five buildings, which would be either four or five storeys tall.
