Plans for a new primary school in Kintore have been delayed after it was revealed the developers are not able to release the site.

In a statement on Tuesday, Aberdeenshire Council said approvals for the school were in place and work was due to commence on site shortly. In preparation for the project, community engagement on the school's design, a successful planning application, the securing of funds, tender completion and the appointment of a contractor had been carried out.

However, officials from the local authority have been in discussion with the developers – a consortium of Kirkwood Homes, Malcolm Allen Homes and Barratt Homes – but they have said they are not in a position to release the site at this time.

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It is understood that negotiations will continue with the consortium and landowners to acquire the site voluntarily, but the council will also pursue a compulsory purchase order to resolve the situation.

It is thought the announcement will delay the project by a year, with a scheduled opening date for the new school now being August 2016.

Councillor Fergus Hood, Chair of Garioch Area Committee, said: "The council has made excellent progress with the plans for a new school and it comes as a great frustration that, at the final hurdle, it comes to light that the site isn't available at this time.

"The council remains firmly committed to building a new primary school at Kintore and we will support the headteacher and the whole teaching staff at Kintore, who have been doing an excellent job, despite the pressure on school facilities."

(JP/CD)