An extension of an Aberdeenshire retirement community has taken a step further.
The masterplan for 60 new homes at the Inchmarlo continuing care community, near Banchory, was approved by Aberdeenshire Council’s Marr area committee yesterday afternoon.
However councillors also rejected proposals for additional “aspirational” measures submitted within the brief.
These included a future possible extension to the Inchmarlo House care home and further developments within the community such as assisted living apartments.
Banchory councillor Karen Clark said: “Generally we accepted the masterplan and the context and how it fits within the existing landscape.
“The 60 houses are part of the existing local development plan. I think generally we were comfortable with it.”
The retirement community is centred around the B-listed Inchmarlo House, which was turned into a care home in 1987.
Since then 169 retirement homes have been constructed in the grounds around the Georgian mansion.
The masterplan outlines areas of the estate where additional homes would have no detrimental impact on Inchmarlo House itself.
It proposes the South Westfield area as the possible site of 12 detached homes, the Garden Wood section as the location for 40 flats and the North Pinefield section as a base for a further eight homes.
In his report on the plans, Marr area planning officer, Neil Mair, said: “The three development areas identified are considered an appropriate way to deliver the allocated 60 units at Inchmarlo.
“None of the three sites are considered to impact on the historic fabric of Inchmarlo House or the designed landscape and garden. There are no issues relating to vehicular access.”
However he added that “drainage and potential impact on the River Dee is a concern for development on this site”.
Councillors will discuss the proposals again when detailed planning applications are lodged at a later date.