First Endeavour submitted a proposal of application notice to Aberdeen City Council to build 302 council flats over four and five stories near the BP garage site on Riverview Drive, Dyce.

During a consultation process, 283 people wrote to the council formally objecting to the proposal and 36 wrote in support of it.

Objectors had expressed concerns that roads, schools and GPs could struggle to cope with extra residents.

The homes had been envisaged as affordable social housing but the plans were then altered so they would become council flats.

Council planning officer Matthew Easton recommended a public hearing should be held so everyone can have their say and last week the council’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the recommendation.

The special public meeting will be held at Broad Street on September 19.

Following the meeting, councillors will reconvene to make a final decision.

A spokesman for First Endeavour LLP said that they “welcomed” the chance to talk to the community and that the flats would help attract key workers.

He said: “We very much welcome the decision of a public meeting to inform the community of the positive and exciting opportunity these flats will provide.

“Especially in light of the front page piece of today’s Press and Journal where it states a 140 plus shortfall in teachers (in the north-east).

“Time and again the lack of council and affordable housing is cited as a reason for the critical situation in attracting key workers.

“Our development will be there to address that situation.”