However, one Balmedie civic leader has expressed his concern about the development, which includes up to 600 homes.

A public exhibition and drop-in session will be held at the White Horse Inn, Balmedie between 10am and 8pm, as part of a pre-application consultation to allow local people to find out more about the proposed development.

If approved, the food market and housing bid will include a park and ride facility and will form part of a major new mixed-use development proposal in the area.

According to landowner Mr Colin Tawse, it will showcase a range of quality regional food producers at a single location to create a local food village under one roof.

Although the bid has not been subjected to planning scrutiny as yet, it includes a 50,000 sq ft food market, up to 600 homes, a new village high street, a community primary school, business park and landscaped open space and recreational facilities.
Mr Tawse said: "I would hope the locals would benefit from the improved infrastructure, the community school, extensive

landscape improvements, cycleway and walkways, a bus service into the village rather than having to cross the main road, easy access to shops, the park and ride with new routes as well as into town."

He told the Times that as soon as they are given the go-ahead, the landscaping and market will come first as it is a project that he has worked on for a long time. The proposed accommodation will be at a later date – he explained it will be at least ten years before there are any houses.

Mr Tawse explained that working alongside local people is imperative to the project and highly rewarding: "In the course of a conversation there is usually a lot of cross fertilisation of ideas if we work towards a common goal."

"I would never pretend to have it absolutely right and I'm open to constructive suggestions." He said it is easier to be critical than correct.

Meanwhile, Michael Slaughter, chairman of Belhelvie Community Council said he has mixed views on the project.

"In principle it is a good idea – it is something that is needed in the area. The regional food market along with the park and ride and other commercial developments – yes, we would support that growth," he said. "However, 600 houses – no. We are not so keen for the number of houses that have been proposed, they look crammed and don't look too adequate – also the fact that the homes will be surrounded by landfill sites is also not great. In essence what concerns us is the amount of accommodation planned; we believe a better spread of housing over the Belhelvie and Potterton area would be ideal."

The consultation will be handled by property consultancy, Knight Frank on behalf of Mr Tawse as part of the planning application process.
Allan Rae, Partner at Knight Frank said: "The Regional Food Market and the associated mixed use development is a major proposal which will create an educational, tourism and community resource for the region.

"This public consultation is an opportunity for the community in Blackdog and beyond to view the plans and give their opinion on the proposed development. Their feedback is vital and will help to inform the final planning application so I urge local people to attend the meeting in Balmedie."

Members of the project design team will be available to answer questions and provide information at the meeting.
For further details please contact Allan Rae, Partner, Knight Frank on 01224 415961 or allan.rae@knightfrank.com