Drumoak-based developer McDonald Properties wants to build on the old filling station off the A90 at Hillside, near Portlethen.

Planning permission in principle is being sought from Aberdeenshire Council for a two-storey garden centre complete with a restaurant and 96-car car park on the brownfield site in green belt land. The roof would be curved and covered with greenery.

The old petrol station has not been in operation for almost a decade.

A statement by Lippe Architects, on behalf of McDonald Properties, said: “The intention is to create an iconic building, set down from the road and utilising roof shapes and ‘green roofing’ to create a sympathetic development rather than a ‘shed’ similar to the industrial and retail area to the south. The proposed curved green roof will create an aesthetically pleasing profile that will blend into the existing visual landscape providing the existing residential properties on the other side of the A90 with a natural, green and pleasant outlook.

“The proposal for a new garden, restaurant and retail centre will result in the regeneration of the site, providing a contemporary and sustainable building designed in such a way to minimise any visual impact on its surroundings.

“In addition, the proposal will create construction jobs and employment once opened.”