Kincardine and Mearns councillors today set out their view of how development should take place across the area in the coming decades.

North Kincardine councillor Ian Mollison commented afterwards: “Headline news is that a major company may wish to establish its world HQ just outside Stonehaven. It would bring about 1000 jobs, and would be an iconic and prestigious development just north-east of the A90 interchange with the Netherley road. If all goes well it would open in 2018 at the same time at the Fastlink and Aberdeen bypass.

“Councillors were given scant details at the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee today as negotiations are still underway. The only other key details were that the firm already has a presence in Aberdeenshire, research and development would be the focus, 80% of the jobs would be for graduate-level staff, and “they have toes in the North Sea”. Intriguing.

“Our meeting was devoted to commenting on the refresh of the Local Development Plan. This is the blueprint for future development and contains the policies against which planning applications are judged.

“There are no surprises regarding future housing developments. No 1500 extra houses at Hillside. No creeping development north of Newtonhill into Cammachmore. No housing around Lairhillock School. Full backing was given to the Chapelton development.

“However no doubt the recommendations – which will go to the Aberdeenshire Infrastructure Services Committee on 3 July – will create some controversy, particularly over the choice of site for a major supermarket for Stonehaven. Nowhere is ideal. Planners preferred building on the recreation grounds. That gained the backing of only one councillor. After much soul-searching the other councillors opted for the Mains of Cowie site as it is relatively close to the town centre and near the A90 too.”