Plans have been lodged to build a petrol station, restaurant and coffee shop on a site which had been earmarked for oil and gas offices prior to the downturn.
The proposed development would be created at a business park known as the City South scheme, not far from the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee road at Hillside.
The land, currently owned by housing developer Dandara, would be sold off to EG Group Ltd who intend to build a filling station, drive-thru, restaurant and coffee shop.
A report which has been prepared by planning agent Colliers International Property Consultants reveals that the original development was drawn up to deal with the massive growth in business locally.
However, in the years since the oil and gas price crash across the north east, the need for more office space south of the city has markedly declined.
The park was given permission in 2004, but is still only partially filled.
The report states that these latest proposals would fill a “gap in the market” for a fuel stop in that area – with the closest being the station at Asda Portlethen – and there is no appropriate location in the town itself.
It is estimated the site would create between 80-100 jobs and would be more than 10,000 sq ft in size.
The developer also believes that this scheme may help encourage more businesses to the park and help re-invigorate the site.
The report states: “It is held that the application which seeks to develop an allocated site to the north of the Portlethen settlement, located in the City South growth area, should be granted planning consent.
“Attracting businesses to Aberdeenshire and specifically Portlethen, which will result in job creation and investment in the local area underpin the development plan.
“To that end, and with the likely creation of 80-100 jobs in an operational sense alone, this development proposal should be considered in a favourable manner.”
