An Angus lord has said the local community will remain a key priority as work continues to create Scotland’s largest town.
Lord Southesk’s long-term masterplan includes seven neighbourhoods, creating the potential for up to 8,000 homes between Stonehaven and Aberdeen, making it the largest settlement for a generation.
A bird’s eye view of how the 2,000 acres of Aberdeenshire farmland will be transformed into Scotland’s largest new town was this week unveiled.
Cairnhill will be the first of the neighbourhoods to be created, with work starting on site in October. The first houses will be available to buy later this year.
Lord Southesk, director of Elsick Development Company (EDC), said: “The local community has been involved in our plans for Chapelton since the very early days and will remain a key priority as work to develop the site progresses.
“We have already worked hard to alleviate initial concerns such as mud on the roads and construction noise.
“We share the concerns of the local community about the need to prioritise investment into healthcare facilities and roads infrastructures and we urge NHS Grampian and the Scottish Government to bring forward these investments.
“We believe the north-east should see investment from some of the wealth it generates. This will lead to further economic growth for the benefit of the whole country.”
He added: “The architecture blends the old with the new. It draws influence from older styles built with the latest mod cons and the latest design features to accommodate modern living.”
Housebuilders ZeroC Holdings, AJC Homes and A & J Stephen will start to deliver the first houses from spring.
Architect Gavin Murray from Brooks Murray Architects said: “It is important Chapelton sits comfortably in the Aberdeenshire landscape, so we have drawn heavily from the best precedents set by a number of neighbouring historic towns and villages, including Stonehaven and Banchory.”
The project, which is being managed by the Duke of Fife’s son, Lord Southesk, is focused on traditional town planning and architecture.
Lord Southesk said: “There will be places to work, as well as places to eat and socialise, shops and schools.
“Everyday needs will be within a five-minute walk and because there is 40% green space the entire built area will feel open.”