Developers have submitted plans to build more than 500 homes in an Aberdeenshire village.

Bancon Homes’ proposals to increase the size of Mintlaw won the support in principle of the local authority two months ago despite concerns surrounding roads will be unable to cope with the extra traffic.

The Banchory firm has also earmarked land for a primary school and a care home.

It has now officially submitted a planning application with Aberdeenshire Council.

Land manager Graeme Reay said the Nether Aden scheme was “exciting” and revealed that consultations with the community had resulted in the bid being brought forward.

“As we go forward, we will continue to work with the local authority and all other interested parties to ensure that an attractive and successful development is delivered over the coming years,” he added.

Public consultations on the scheme, however, had raised concerns about the safety of the road network in Mintlaw.

Traffic Scotland also feared that the development will “exacerbate” the congestion on the A90 Fraserburgh to Aberdeen road which cuts through the village.

Aberdeenshire Council hopes to prevent this by conditioning a cap on the number of homes that can be built in each phase, to allow for route upgrades as and when required.