Developers planning a new town development in Aberdeenshire have submitted an application to build 9,000 homes at Chapelton of Elsick, about 10 miles south of Aberdeen.

The development by Elsick Development Company (EDC), to be situated at a 2,000-acre area of farmland near Newtonhill, also includes plans for school provision and retail space.

The Duke of Fife currently owns the land, and his son, David Southesk, the director of the Elsick Development Company, is managing the project.

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Lord Southesk commented: "It has taken a great deal of work and commitment to get to this point.

"Chapelton will not only provide a substantial economic boost to the area, but offers an opportunity to create a new style of living that will undoubtedly provide home buyers with a vibrant community in the north east of Scotland."

People living in the near by villages of Muchalls and Newtonhill have welcomed the plans in recent community consultations.

Objectors have focused on the loss of farmland.

It has been estimated that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire may need 75,000 more homes over the next 20 years to cope with demand.

(JG/BMcC)