With more than 70 per cent of properties in the first release now sold or reserved at Chapelton, Elsick Development Company (EDC) has sold land to the three existing house-builders to allow commencement of the second phase.

AJC Homes, Stephen and ZeroC will build the next 100 homes at Chapelton, where there is planning permission for 4,045 properties plus commercial and retail premises. Currently over 170 workers are on site each week to meet the needs of the north east’s growing population. In the longer term the town will comprise of 8,000 homes.

Lord Southesk, director of EDC, said: “Properties at Chapelton have been in great demand from the outset and just one year on since the house-builders started on site we are extremely pleased to be working with them again as we plan for the second phase.

“The planning of the second phase is another major milestone as we rapidly move towards the construction of the new community. More than 25 homes in Chapelton are now occupied and with the first commercial properties set to open in the coming months. The residents will soon be able to enjoy a café, nursery school and dental practice. They will also benefit from the Park and Choose facility served by a community bus service to the main A90 stop to Aberdeen. This will open later on in the year, providing a sustainable alternative to using the car.

“Ultimately, the development of seven neighbourhoods will create schools, healthcare facilities, parks and community buildings.”

John Stephen, managing director of housebuilder Stephen, added: “After receiving great feedback from visitors of our Melfort show-home and continuing to see a high demand for our family homes at Chapelton, we are very pleased to be planning for phase two of the development. The process of working closely with EDC and the other house-builders has been extremely beneficial and we look forward to continuing this relationship.”

Alistair Aboyne, managing director of AJC Homes said, “It has been tremendously exciting to see just how many people have bought into the concept of New Urbanism demonstrated by Chapelton. We have always believed that the quality of design & build would encourage potential customers to live here but it is gratifying to see just how many people recognise what an exceptional opportunity exists for them at this remarkable new town”.

Dominic Fairlie, director of ZeroC, added: “We are thrilled with the response to both the Chapelton development and our show-home and are now moving towards the second release of properties in phase one which includes two, three and four-bedroom homes and apartments.”