Plans for an extension to a north-east waste and recycling centre have been recommended for approval, despite a raft of objections from locals.
EIS Waste Services is wants to create a stone cleaning plant and wash pods at Gallowhill, Nigg.
The site would be located near the hamlet of Checkbar, in a zone of greenbelt land.
Aberdeenshire Council’s planning chiefs have backed the plans, despite 41 objections from locals citing concerns about noise levels, dust, smells, visual impact and its closeness to their homes.
Under the plans, a Terex washing system and five washing lagoons would be established within the site – which would be used to transform aggregate from demolition sites into construction material to be sold on.
EIS say the plans are an extension of the current facilities in Nigg and argue proposed bunds would block out the views of the site itself.
The firm also said it would work within the noise limits set by the council.
But last night Ron Sharp, chairman of the Portlethen Community Council, said: “There is major concerns because it is in very close proximity to the houses that are there. It is going to be causing noise pollution for the residents there.
“There has been a massive outcry from residents in the area. Once again the planning department seem to ignore the objections from the community and the residents.
“I think it is in the wrong place. It wouldn’t be an issue if it was a bit further away from the housing. It is virtually in the backs of people’s gardens. I wouldn’t be happy if someone came and built that in my back garden.”
In a report to the Kincardine and Mearns area committee, the council’s director of infrastructure services Stephen Archer tells members developments within the greenbelt can be approved if they are extensions to existing buildings or uses.
He added that “the setting and character of Checkbar is already influenced by the close proximity of the waste management facility”.
Councillors will make a decision at their meeting in Stonehaven on Tuesday.