Up to 1,000 jobs could be created under plans to expand an Aberdeenshire business park.
Banchory-based Bancon Developments believe the bid to extend Mearns Business Park in Stonehaven will be an “economic catalyst” for the area.
The firm is seeking to create a 17-acre extension next to a 32-acre site which already has planning permission.
Bosses said they were already in advanced talks with two prospective occupiers who could take up a “substantial proportion” of the site.
The original proposals went out to consultation last year as part of a wider plan for the Braehead area of the town, which includes a supermarket, leisure facilities, a primary school and new playing fields.
The new application is only for the business park extension.
Harry McNab, planning director of Bancon, said: “Following the very positive feedback we received at a public exhibition of our proposals in November last year, we are now in a position to move ahead with a very significant part of the proposed development.
“The success of the business park will be an economic catalyst for Stonehaven at a time when there is real demand for employment land in the north-east.”
If the extension is approved, new drainage would also be installed with the aim of helping to alleviate the flood risk to the town.
Run-off water would be redirected east towards the sea, helping to reduce the peak flows of the Glasslaw burn during stormy conditions.