The first phase of a 3,000-home development at the Countesswells site in Aberdeen has been given the green light.

Councillors have granted permission by 14 votes to two for Stewart Milne Homes to deliver for 33 flats and 91 houses, new upgraded access roads and engineering works at Kingshill Road.

Construction is already well under way on the overall project at Countesswells, which will accommodate an estimated 7,000 residents once complete.

Jim Fitzimons, the director of the Countesswells project, said: “Today’s decision supports our phased approach to the delivery of the new community of Countesswells with parcels of development being brought forward in line with the vision and masterplan for the site.

“The first phase of enabling infrastructure works, including roads and services, is well advanced and the building of the first homes within the first neighbourhood will begin soon.

“We will be starting to build homes on an adjacent site that already has detailed planning permission, and the site approved today will be developed in due course to meet market demand and support the growth of the town.”

The developers have proposed that the new community will include 750 affordable properties, schools, parks, healthcare facilities, and space for medium to small-sized businesses.

Work on bringing essential utilities such as gas, electricity and telecommunication services to the development has resulted in the Cults to Kingswells road being closed from August 19 to December 16.