Final Chapelton of Elsick town plans submitted

Chapelton of Elsick would be based in the Newtonhill area

Final plans for a massive new town development in Aberdeenshire have been submitted.

Developers want to build thousands of homes at Chapelton of Elsick, about 10 miles south of Aberdeen, and say it would create thousands of jobs.

It would be situated at a 2,000-acre area of farmland near Newtonhill.

The application, by the Elsick Development Company (EDC), has gone to Aberdeenshire Council for consideration.

An initial masterplan proposes the construction of 4,000 houses but that figure could double in the long-term.

Work could begin on the first phase in the Spring of next year, which could see about 800 homes built.

Chapleton of Elsick would also include industrial and business development, and the construction of schools.

Lord Southesk, director of the Elsick Development Company, said: "Today's submission marks a major milestone in the development's progress."

Objectors have focused on the loss of farmland.

It has been estimated that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire may need 75,000 more homes over the next 20 years to cope with demand.