Plans for a new 3,000-home Aberdeen community were today slammed as a “pressure cooker” on roads and schools.

The planning permission in principle application for Countesswells development, which includes 750 affordable homes, parks and leisure and healthcare facilities, has been approved by the city council meaning the work can begin.

The scheme is being brought forward by Stewart Milne Homes and is to be phased in over 15 years. Included in the proposals are a new secondary school and two new primaries as well as road improvements.

But Hazlehead, Ashley and Queen’s Cross councillor Martin Greig

“The considerable amount of vehicles generated will be pushed onto existing roads which are already struggling to deal with the current levels of traffic. There’s huge concern that schools will be forced to accommodate large numbers of extra pupils.

“The development is not required to build its first primary school until a certain number of houses are occupied.”

Cllr Jennifer Stewart added: “There are a lot of unanswered questions.

“I have concerns about not just the road infrastructure, but beyond that into schools and all amenities required.”

Road closures will be in place as a result of the development.

The Kingswells roundabout to Cults road will be closed between the roundabout and the junction with Blacktop road from August 19 to December 16.

And Countesswells Road will be closed between its junction with Hazledene Road and the Kirk Brae junction from May 3 to July 8.

Jim Fitzsimons, Countesswells project director for the Stewart Milne Group, said primary and secondary schools formed a key part of the plan.

He added: “Investment in roads infrastructure is another vital element of the masterplan for the site, and will be delivered as the community is developed, providing vital new housing, including affordable homes, for the region.”