Defence Online

Plans for the construction of 1,700 homes to the north of Aberdeen have been re-approved by councillors after it was brought back to the authority following a landmark legal ruling.The residential-led mixed use development, which will also provide shops, schools and a community centre at Rowett South in Bucksburn, was awarded planning permission in principle in September last year.Councillors unanimously agreed a willingness to approve the proposals, tabled by the University of Aberdeen and Bon Accord Land Promotion, subject to conditions including a developer contribution towards the Strategic Transport Fund and further mitigation for the local road network as part of the legal agreement.However a report had to be returned to councillors after the Duke of Fife – the landowner behind the Chapelton of Elsick development near Newtonhill – went to the Court of Session earlier this year, challenging the £8 million developer contribution bill to the Strategic Transport Fund.The Queen’s cousin argued the financial demand was unlawful, and the court upheld his claim, prior to reducing the bill to just £287,000.In the aftermath of the ruling, the Rowett application was brought back to the city’s planning committee for a further decision.Councillors unanimously agreed to the proposal, subject to the applicant entering into a legal agreement with the council to secure 25 per cent affordable housing on site and financial contributions towards a traveller halting site, schools and community centres.