The mixed-use development proposed for land at Cromleybank Farm consists of up to 980 houses, a quarter of which will be affordable, as well as 2 hectares of employment land, a southern bypass to Ellon, a water reservoir, primary school and community facilities.

A proposal of application notice has been lodged by Scotia Homes on behalf of the landowner.

A similar plan was submitted to Aberdeenshire Council in 2015 but was rejected over the development of the road network in the area.

The Local Development Plan suggested that a new bridge over the River Ythan would be needed to deal with the increase in traffic.

But planning officials recommended councillors opt for a southern bypass instead.

Councillors went against the recommendation and voted for a bridge.

At the time Scotia said it would not build a bridge.

Director Derrick Thomson said while the company may contribute to building a bridge it could not carry out the task.

The latest development plan says: “Public transport into the site is expected, particularly to and from the retail centre and academy.

“Permeability within the development for active travel should be promoted and connectivity to the rest of the Ellon green network is expected in this development with opportunities existing to link into the path network along the river.”

It went on to say: “It is expected that 245 affordable homes will be provided within the site in a selection of types.

“Competition between retail on the site and the town is discouraged and retail units on the site should be designed to provide local convenience shopping.”

A public consultation into the plans is expected to take place in the next few weeks.