Plans have been approved for a £150 million mixed-use development in Aberdeenshire.

The scheme is being delivered by Ashfield Land and will see a range of lifestyle, leisure and business facilities developed at Blackdog.

Last month, proposals for 600 new homes on the same site by Kirkwood Homes were also approved.

Features of the Blackdog scheme will include a Regional Food Hall, cinema, hotel, leisure and business facilities, as well as provide a sufficient mix of retail and leisure opportunities.

According to Ashfield Land, the development is set to create thousands of jobs for local people during construction and longer term, as well as significantly boosting the local economy.

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In addition, the town centre plans will help to deliver the ambitions of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan (LDP) and of the Blackdog Masterplan, first approved by the Council nearly four years ago.

Steven McGarva of Ashfield Land said: "We're looking forward to turning the plans into reality and would like to thank the council officers and elected members for their support. It will deliver substantial benefits for people living in Aberdeenshire and beyond and give local people access to leisure, retail and business facilities that have been sorely lacking in this area."

North East Regional Director for the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), Ian Armstrong added: "A key goal for the region is to diversify its economic base and SCDI welcomes the Blackdog plans with their focus on an attractive town centre, including a food hall to showcase the region's rich larder."

The scheme will be developed in phases over the next five to 10 years and work is set to get underway later this year.

(LM)