North-east businesses are set to share more than £32million of construction work under plans for a new housing development in Aberdeenshire.
Cala Homes submitted proposals to deliver 158 new homes at Newmachar earlier this year, part of a long-planned residential development on land allocated for housing in Aberdeenshire Council’s Local Development Plan.
The application will be considered by the local authority’s Garioch Area Committee tomorrow, with planning officers recommending that permission be granted.
Economic analysis from BiGGAR Economics shows that - if approved - the development is expected to generate more than £32million of spending with local contractors and suppliers during construction, providing a significant boost for businesses across the North-east economy.
The new neighbourhood would also contribute around £350,000 in council tax revenue annually, equating to approximately £3.5million over the next decade to help support local services. In addition, Cala has committed almost £400,000 in developer contributions.
The proposed development forms part of a site that has been identified for housing for more than a decade and would deliver a mix of private and affordable homes, with 39 affordable properties included within the first phase.
Alongside new homes, the plans include extensive landscaped open space, new walking and cycling connections to existing Newmachar, children's play facilities, biodiversity enhancements and sustainable drainage infrastructure designed to serve the wider development.
Planning documents submitted in support of the application highlight that Newmachar Primary School has sufficient capacity to accommodate pupils generated by the development, and is currently just three-quarters (75%) full.
The committee report notes that the development is already factored into school roll forecasts. Secondary Schools in the area are also operating under capacity currently with a proposed re-zoning consultation from Dyce Academy to Inverurie Academy due to get underway shortly.
Ross Maclennan, Land Director at Cala Homes (North), said: “This application represents an important opportunity to deliver much-needed new homes in Newmachar while creating significant economic benefits for the wider north-east.
“The site has been identified for housing for many years and has already been established as a key location for future growth within Aberdeenshire’s Local Development Plan. Our proposals would bring forward 158 high-quality homes, including 39 affordable properties, alongside extensive open space, active travel connections, biodiversity enhancements and community infrastructure.
“Just as importantly, this development will support local jobs and businesses, with more than £32million expected to be spent through the regional construction supply chain. At a time when many sectors continue to face economic challenges, that represents a substantial investment in the local economy.
“We have worked closely with Aberdeenshire Council and stakeholders to bring forward proposals that reflect current needs and circumstances. We believe this is a well-considered development that will deliver high-quality homes, support sustainable growth and create lasting benefits for Newmachar and the wider area.”
The wider masterplan demonstrates capacity for up to 340 homes, in line with the site's allocation within the Local Development Plan and previous planning permissions, helping to meet ongoing demand for high-quality family housing in one of Aberdeenshire's most popular commuter settlements.
A decision on the application is expected following tomorrow's meeting of the Garioch Area Committee.