The developer, which eventually plans to deliver an £80 million golf course at the Ury Estate near Stonehaven, has submitted plans to build 19 apartments above the clubhouse which would be based in the disused Ury House mansion building.

The proposal would replace plans for five hotel bedrooms which was previously approved by Aberdeenshire Council.

It is hoped the sale of the apartments would fund part of the cost of building the golf course.

An FM Group spokesperson told The Evening Express: “It is still intended to commence construction of the Jack Nicklaus golf course later this year, which is expected to take three years, with the clubhouse opening in conjunction with this. Revenue raised from the apartment sales will part-fund the early establishment of the golf course and running of the golf clubhouse.

“To complement this use, it is intended to operate the 32 bedroom suites consented for the walled garden, which will be serviced by facilities at the clubhouse for eating and drinking along with check-in and concierge services.

“The introduction of apartments on the upper floors of Ury House is a complementary and appropriate use for the former residential mansion house and in conjunction with the golf course will safeguard its use for the foreseeable future.”

The ground floor of the derelict Ury House will be used as a clubhouse which will include a bar, pro shop, locker room, kitchen and fitness centre.

FM Group, which is creating the site alongside Kirkwood Homes, hopes to begin construction at the site in Stonehaven by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, the council’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee met to consider plans for 94 homes at the estate – which form part of a total of 230 houses envisaged for the site.

Councillors agreed to visit the site and also granted delegated consent – meaning planners will have final approval once concerns over road infrastructure are addressed.