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A MILLIONAIRE Tory MSP has been accused of trying to exploit his parliamentary position to further his business interests.

Alexander Burnett has lodged five questions in Holyrood raising concerns about the planning process for a proposed housing development in his constituency.

The MSP is a major shareholder of rival developers the Bancon Group, who have opposed the proposal. And opponents claim he has a clear conflict of interest.

The row centres on plans to have farmland near Banchory zoned for housing, with the aim of building 300 homes, mainly for private rent.

The Braehead scheme is being promoted by Ken Ross, through his firm Ross Developments and Renewables, acting as agent for landowner and former Grampian Foods chairman Alfred Duncan.

Burnett has opposed the plans and, in his role as an MSP, he has been asking questions about Ross’s dealings with the Scottish Government.

The Aberdeenshire West MSP’s involvement has sparked controversy as he is a member of the wealthy Burnett of Leys family, who own large parts of the north side of Banchory.

His parliamentary register of interests lists several directorships and shareholdings that all focus on developing the north side of the town, where Burnett is the main landowner.

A local source said: “This proposed development is to the south of the town and would open up development in zones where the Burnetts have no property interest.

“Burnett has previously lobbied Aberdeenshire Council and called for further development to be allowed only on the northern side of the town, much of which is owned by his family’s estate.

“Braehead would provide much-needed rented, affordable and assisted living homes in an area where there is a chronic shortage.

“In fairness, there are probably some reasonable planning grounds against the development.

“However, Burnett is clearly using his influence to turn local opinion against the project and abusing his position as an MSP to bang the drum for an inquiry.

“He’s making this about lobbying to divert from the fact he’s trying to edge out the competition in the local housing market.”

Local SNP councillor Geva Blackett claimed Burnett has acted inappropriately.

She said: “This is nothing short of a brazen attempt by Alexander Burnett to exploit his position as an MSP and edge out the competition in the local housing market to benefit his own business.

“Using his status to influence process is a clear conflict of interests and should set alarm bells ringing among his constituents.

“Mr Burnett is a big-time businessman, but part-time parliamentarian and he needs to work out where his priorities lie.”

A spokeman for the Scottish Conservatives said Burnett was concerned that Ken Ross was unfairly exploiting contacts at the Scottish Government.

Ross is on the board of the Scottish Property Federation and represents them on the Scottish Government’s joint housing policy and delivery droup, where he meets regularly with Ministers and civil servants. He contacted the Government about the Braehead proposal, despite it being an issue for Aberdeenshire Council.

The Tory spokesman added: “This is a controversial development which hundreds have objected to. Alexander was asking these questions on behalf of a constituent, as any good local MSP would.

“It is ironic the SNP should complain about this when the other agent in question is one of their advisers on housing matters.”

Last week, Bancon Construction announced they had won contracts worth more than £20million. One of them will see the firm build 80 homes at Manor Walk in Aberdeen.