Councillors in Aberdeen have supported proposals to construct 550 new homes in one of the city's suburbs.

The plans, which are for Oldfold Farm, Milltimber, also include a replacement primary school.

In a statement, the local authority said the proposals would see 25% of the homes consisting of affordable housing, while there would also be a commercial area, replacement primary school and infrastructure improvements. For the main area of the site, 20 development blocks, comprising of a variety of house types, are planned, while nine large, detached properties are earmarked for a separate development block, located north of Murtle Den Road.

A mixed-use local centre, providing support for the Milltimber community, has also been suggested, and would feature up to 1,000 square metres of commercial floor space in a mix of unit sizes, and be occupied by shops, cafes, nursery, crèche, small offices and community uses. In addition, a new primary school to replace the existing Milltimber School is to be built adjacent to the local centre.

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Aberdeen City Council has said six areas, each with their own distinct character, are planned and include:

• Binghill, which will provide the interface with Milltimber

• North Deeside Road, which will act as the gateway to the development from the A93

• Den of Murtle in the north, which will integrate the development into the countryside and surrounding woodland

• Murtle Park, which will address the eastern boundary with the existing Murtle Den and provide a woodland buffer

• Murtle Den, which will be distinct from the wider development and feature detached housing in a woodland setting.

Planning convener Councillor Ramsay Milne said: "This development will make a significant contribution to meeting the city's housing needs and I hope that the developer will be bringing forward the detailed applications so that the scheduled build can keep pace with the target in the Aberdeen Local Development Plan."

It is hoped that 25 homes will be constructed next year, with 50 being constructed each year thereafter.

(JP)