More than 700 new homes in Inverurie approved in principle

Aberdeenshire Council has approved planning permission in principle for more than 700 homes and community facilities on the outskirts of Inverurie.Crichie Developments, led by Dandara, is looking to build 737 homes, a primary school and retail development at Crichie, which is just outside the Aberdeenshire town.The Evening Express has reported that around 184 of the homes could be affordable.Council planners asked members of the Garioch area committee to approve the proposal in principle under a delegated grant as far back as last January. This approval meant planning officers were given the power by councillors to approve the application after a legal agreement was made.The local authority has now given its official approval after it signed a legal agreement with the developer to secure conditions for the development including a new grade-separated junction.It is understood Dandara will apply for full planning permission at a later date.Included in the development is space for a primary school, housing and business developments, with cycle links into Port Elphinstone and Inverurie.