Aberdeenshire councillors approve further Blackdog scheme

Aberdeenshire councillors have approved a further tranche of buildings for a £150m mixed-use development near Blackdog.This week’s approval of Ashfield Land’s proposal for a regional food hall, cinema, hotel, leisure and business facilities follows a green light last month for housing on the same site propsed by Kirkwood. The overall mixed-use development represents a £150m investment for the area.The scheme is set create thousands of jobs for local people during construction and longer term, the plan will significantly boost the local economy, according to Ashfield Land.In discussion with council planning officers, the applicants have reduced the overall retail floor space proposed for the development to 11,500m2, a reduction of some 48% compared to the planning application previously submitted.The Blackdog Masterplan was first approved by the council nearly four years ago.The area is due to be developed in phases over the next five to 10 years, with work getting under way later this year.