Plans have been lodged for a housing development which could increase the population of a north-east community by 20% and leave space for a new railway.
Claymore Homes has applied to build 150 homes on the outskirts of Cruden Bay, in addition to creating infrastructure for the site and room for affordable housing in the future.
A masterplan for the scheme was agreed by local councillors in September.
The developer is working with north-east architects Baxter Design on the proposal for the site off Aulton Road and Golf Road, which includes space for a railway line to cut through the village should long-term hopes of reopening the Buchan line come to fruition.
The scheme was first mooted in 2009 and the masterplan includes space for up to 200 properties. The application is open for public comment until February 27.
In a design statement submitted to Aberdeenshire Council planners, a spokesman for the developers said the “bulk” of the streets would be for pedestrians. But a main road to land allocated for businesses on the site could be used by commercial vehicles.
He said: “The house types proposed have been updated to reflect modern design with modern sharp materials.
“This constitutes grey windows against a white wall finish with timber cladding feature panels.”
He added the former Boddam branch of the Great North of Scotland Railway ran across the northern half of the proposed development and space had been allocated if the link was “re-established in the future”.
Aberdeenshire’s transport body Nestrans is currently considering the future of road and rail infrastructure between Peterhead and Aberdeen.
The development could bring more than 100 new families to the area, so Aberdeenshire Council’s education department was asked to comment on the impact on local schools.
Education officers confirmed there is “sufficient capacity” at local primary and secondary schools for a large intake of new children.
When the masterplan for the site was put before the Buchan area committee last year, no objections were raised by councillors. Following the meeting, chairman Stuart Pratt said the development would ensure the growth of the village.
