A campaign group has claimed controversial plans for 150 homes are being “pushed” through while residents are “distracted by very difficult circumstances.”
Protect Banchory Devenick oppose Comer Property Group’s plans to for the homes at Leggart Brae, just south of the River Dee.
Campaigners want the proposals to be halted until full consultation can be held.
A spokesman said: “Protect Banchory Devenick has written to the council on behalf of our 180 members, for clarification on this very serious threat immediately adjacent to an area of outstanding environmental value to the local community.
“We cannot see the logic of destroying our natural environment at a time when many properties sit unsold across the area.”
He added: “Protect Banchory Devenick is uncomfortable and suspicious at the attempt to push this application through during the coronavirus pandemic as it disadvantages consultation, with local groups such as the community councils unable to physically meet and gather feedback from residents.”
This is the first time the Comer Property Group, one of the UK’s largest property developers, has looked to build in Scotland.
The proposal is for a mix of “high-quality” family homes and facilities.
Brian Comer, chairman of the Comer Group UK, said: ‘‘Unfortunately, the current situation regarding coronavirus does not allow for traditional public exhibitions to be held.
“We are therefore in the process of developing an online consultation site – www.leggartbrae.com -that will go live from Thursday, July 30.
“This will contain information relating to the proposals and importantly both an electronic and printable comment form so that feedback on the proposals can be provided to the project team.”
He added an interactive online event would also be held on August 6 from 3pm-6pm where the team will answer questions from locals and interested parties.
