Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councillors yesterday voted overwhelmingly in favour of the region's new Finalised Structure Plan.

The plan - which lays out an aspirational, 20-year vision for the City and Shire - was backed by 26 votes to 11 at a special full sitting of Aberdeen City Council and 59-3 at a simultaneous full council meeting of Aberdeenshire councillors.

The Aberdeen City and Shire Strategic Development Planning Authority (SDPA) has drawn up the plan to ensure the region maintains and enhances its attractiveness and continues to develop sustainably over the next 20 years.

The document maps out a framework for the delivery of the new homes, businesses, transport infrastructure and facilities to ensure continued prosperity. It also stresses that the City and Shire must aim high - and earn a reputation for top-quality design and construction in which local people and the whole country can take pride.

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Aberdeen City Council planning convener and SDPA chairman Councillor Scott Cassie said: "The plan lays down a clear direction of travel for the future of the region up to 2030 – and that direction is upwards. We have to make sure this area has enough people, enough new homes and enough jobs to allow us to compete and thrive. We have to open up opportunities for growth."

Cllr Cassie described the plan as "ambitious, aspirational and deliverable".

Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council's infrastructure services committee Councillor Peter Argyle said it was one of the most significant days in the history of Aberdeenshire Council.

The preparation of the plan has been characterised by widespread engagement and consultation over the last two and a half years, with over 150 changes being made to the draft plan in response to comments received.

The document will now be submitted to Scottish Ministers and placed on deposit on 27 February 2009 to allow an eight-week period for any objections to be lodged with them. The closing date is 24 April.

Ministers will consider any objections and determine whether an Examination in Public (EiP) is needed. That would require a public inquiry-style hearing in front of a planning reporter, who would hear evidence from the Strategic Development Planning Authority and objectors and then report back to Ministers identifying any necessary modifications.

If no EiP is needed, Ministers will consult on any proposed modifications, consider any objections to the proposed modifications, and then approve the plan with or without changes.

(GK/JM)