Initially lodged by CALA Homes (North) and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) back in 2014, the joint planning application also proposes commercial space and a neighbourhood centre on the Craibstone Estate.

CALA is seeking planning permission in principle for the creation of around 600 residential homes as well as a new state-of-the-art consolidated educational institution for SRUC. The plans also include details for a neighbourhood centre and new student accommodation comprising up to 100 properties.

The development was subject to a wide ranging and lengthy period of public consultation to ensure the needs of the local community are met as well as offering 21st century facilities and academic resources that serve the requirements of SRUC’s Craibstone campus.

A masterplan which lays out the developer’s vision of the site includes retaining existing woodland and open spaces.

The estate’s walled garden and “formal” green spaces will be preserved and existing buildings around the former farm will be kept for use by the new residents.

Fraser Carr, CALA Home’s sales and marketing director, said: “We are very pleased to be moving forward with our proposals for Craibstone and look forward to further shaping our plans to create a fantastic new community which is sympathetic to and in keeping with the surroundings and stature of the area.”

He added the firm have been “very careful” to ensure their plans “reflect the natural surroundings” of the estate.

The developers have said they hope the site’s proximity to the new Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will attract buyers. The land is also adjacent to the Scottish Rural College’s Craibstone campus.

Dr Kyrsten Black, dean of SRUC’s Aberdeen campus, said: “SRUC is supportive of Cala’s continuing development of the Craibstone Estate.

“However the estate remains the home of our Aberdeen campus where we offer many land-based courses such as agriculture and vet nursing, not to mention the services of our local consultants, vets and researchers, who continue to be based there.

“We are committed to retaining a presence in the region and we are currently focused on recruiting students to study at this vibrant campus for the next academic year.”

It is understood CALA Homes will submit a detailed planning application for the first phase of the scheme within months.