Work could begin on a £2 billion Aberdeenshire development as early as the summer.
Plans for the 4,025-home Chapelton of Elsick development, 10 miles south of Aberdeen, have been approved by Kincardine and Mearns area committee of Aberdeenshire Council.
The council granted an approval for an outline planning application to transform 2,000 acres of farmland into a vibrant new community for the north east. The detailed application for the first 825 homes was also passed.
The long-term masterplan includes a total of seven neighbourhoods, creating the potential for up to 8,000 homes and making it Scotland’s largest settlement for a generation.
Lord Southesk, director of Elsick Development Company (EDC), said: “We believe that Chapelton will be a major economic fillip to the area as well as addressing the need for quality housing.
“With up to 8,000 homes planned in the long term, as well as schools, community facilities and commercial space, Chapelton is set to become a major new Aberdeenshire community.”
Councillor Jim Gifford, Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, said: “This decision sends out the message that Aberdeenshire is serious about investment and providing quality housing.”