Residents have raised complaints about trees which offer shelter to badgers, foxes and bats being torn down as part of plans to expand a north-east village.
Bancon Homes was last year given permission to build 500 new homes, a primary school, a park and ride facility and a care home on land at Nether Aden in Mintlaw.
The Banchory-based firm wants to carry out the work in five stages by building 100 properties at a time – and has applied for permission for the first phase.
The site for that is next to the busy A952 Mintlaw to Fraserburgh road and would be connected to the main route by a junction from the housing scheme.
But Ian Laidlaw, who lives at Nether Aden, is worried that the formation of the junction may lead to the removal of trees which are home to an array of wildlife.
In his letter raising concerns about the proposals, he urged planning bosses to consider the impact on species living nearby.
Mr Laidlaw wrote: “To upgrade the road to serve any new development would involve the removal of a significant number of the mature and semi mature trees which closely border the road.
“As well as providing a shelter belt for the southern boundary of the village, the trees provide an essential habitat for a number of wildlife species, including deer, badger, foxes and bats.
“I would therefore request that due consideration is given to the environmental impact this development would have on existing species habitats.”
Gary Purves, a director with Fraserburgh-based Colaren Homes, has also submitted an objection.
He is concerned that no affordable housing will be built in the first phase of the development.
Mr Purves said: “There are reported to be well over 6,000 people on the Aberdeenshire Council housing waiting list.
“It therefore seems unusual that a developer can build 100 houses without providing any affordable housing.”
A design statement submitted alongside the plans said the project is an “excellent opportunity” to provide a new development.
It said: “The development aims to retain, where possible, key landscape features of the site including the mature woodland which provides natural enclosure.
“The layout will be clear and easy to navigate and will provide excellent pedestrian and cycle path connectivity within and to the surrounding area.
“The design solution is an opportunity to provide a pleasant and welcoming new neighbourhood.
“It has been well received at the planning permission in principle stage and at initial discussions with planning officers, and should represent an exemplary first phase of the approved development.”
