Four planning applications for houses at Whitestripes and Stripeside (east of Lairhillock primary school) were approved in principle at today’s infrastructure services committee. The nine houses will be built on the site of former farm buildings.

Another local item of interest on the agenda was the plan for flooding prevention at Stonehaven. The £16.5m proposals were given the committee’s backing. The decision will now be advertised in local newspapers. Thereafter council officers will progress the tender process. Construction should begin later next year.