Chapelton of Elsick application for 9,000 home new town

An application has been submitted for a massive new town development in Aberdeenshire.

Developers want to build 9,000 homes at Chapelton of Elsick, external, about 10 miles south of Aberdeen, as well as school provision and retail space.

It would be situated at a 2,000-acre area of farmland near Newtonhill.

The application, by the Elsick Development Company (EDC), has gone to Aberdeenshire Council for consideration.

The land is owned by the Duke of Fife and the project is being managed by his son David Southesk.

Lord Southesk, director of the Elsick Development Company, said: "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.

"It's situated very close to the A90 corridor."

People living in the near by villages of Muchalls and Newtonhill have given it a broad welcome.

Community consultations have already been held, and a further council consultation on the planning documentation will now take place.

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.