COUNCILLORS have rejected a planning proposal for the expansion of ANM's Thainstone mart, near Inverurie.

The proposed new business park – a £4million expansion of the current site – was turned down after objections were raised to the project, citing concerns over the potential visual impact on the local landscape and possible increase in traffic congestion.

ANM Group chairman Pat Machray commented: “We are deeply disappointed with the outcome of today’s decision regarding the extension of Thainstone Business Park. This is obviously not only a setback for us, but for the whole of Inverurie and the North-east agricultural industry.

“A great deal of time and money has already been invested with the long term intention of boosting the local economy, and this £4 million investment was an integral part of our future plans," said Mr Machray. "We have been a major employer and contributor to the North-east economy for more than 140 years, and as a farmer-owned co-operative, we have and will continually strive to improve the business to provide the best service for our 5,000 members and 20,000 customers.

“It is our intention to consider our options.”

The Thainstone expansion proposal had included plans for Scotbeef Inverurie to relocate to the site, into a new multi-million pound purpose-built abattoir.

Scotbeef chief executive Robbie Galloway said: "We are disappointed, but we're hoping that it is a bump in the road in the process. We do have plans for a move to the area at Thainstone that has already been zoned for planning, but it is our hope that the plans for the more expansive, and in our opinion, better site, move forward, as we see it as more suitable for our move from out of the centre of Inverurie.

"ANM are doing the running for the project and we hope that things move forward in the future."

Had planning been approved, work on the project was scheduled to start later this year, with the first building due for completion in early 2018.