The local authority has identified new housing opportunities at locations including Banchory, Inverurie, Newburgh, Fyvie and Turriff.

The latest plan has been put together with specific recommendations from planning officers following an examination of the area’s landscape and an online consultation with interested parties and community councils.

While the content of the proposed LDP remains largely unchanged from 2017’s, there have been modifications to offer new opportunities and improve quality of life.

These include policies to ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the area and direct the right development to the right place in line with national policy.

A particular focus has been put on new development along the A90 Aberdeen to Peterhead road and A96 Aberdeen to Huntly road.

Aberdeenshire Council has also taken a step forward in removing longstanding sites which have not been delivered.

Paul Macari, the council’s head of planning and economy, said: “The policy framework contained in the proposed LDP outlines a sustainable development strategy for Aberdeenshire with a focus on maximising development opportunity, delivery, regeneration and conservation of our built and natural environments.”

The proposed LDP will be reviewed at a full council meeting on September 21.

If approved, the plan will be presented to Scottish Ministers and adopted in late October.