The creation of Scotland's new £1Bn town has moved a step closer, with the submission of a planning application by Elsick Development Company (EDC). Outline plans for the new 4,000 home community ten miles south of Aberdeen have been lodged with Aberdeenshire Council along with full plans for the first phase of 800 homes. 

The new town will also include industrial and business development on land adjacent to Newtonhill and is estimated to generate approximately 8,200 jobs.

A long term masterplan for the new town has also been developed. A total of seven neighbourhoods on the 2,000 acre site will eventually be built creating a total of 9,000 homes, making it Scotland's largest new settlement for a generation.

Lord Southesk, Director of the Elsick Development Company, said: "Chapelton will not only provide a substantial economic boost to the area, but offers an opportunity to create a new style of living that will undoubtedly provide homebuyers with a vibrant community in the north east of Scotland. From an extensive range of homes and schools through to a well planned town centre and green space, this is a chance to deliver a new sustainable community on a highly significant scale."

The Council will now undertake a 28 day statutory consultation on the planning documentation where members of the public will be given another opportunity to comment on proposals.

Aberdeenshire Council aims to adopt its Local Development Plan in December with planning applications determined in early 2012. If approval is granted, the Elsick Development Company hopes to start work on Phase I, Cairnhill, in 2012.