Development plan for ex-spy base RAF Edzell

The former RAF base was sold in March 2000

A £250m development has been proposed at a former RAF base in Angus.

The plans would see a 300-acre business site and up to 1,000 new homes built at the Edzell base, near Brechin.

Many other firms are already established at the base, which was bought in a multi-million pound deal 10 years ago.

RAF Edzell was home to US intelligence officers throughout the Cold War, but the Americans moved out after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Local business Carnegie Base Services, who have proposed the 444-acre development, said it could create more than 1,000 jobs and meet future housing supply needs in south Aberdeenshire.

The brownfield site, to be called Newesk, would be built over 10 to 15 years.

'Protect greenbelt'

Carnegie Base Services said it would share its plans for the new site at a series of events from 14 December. A planning application will be submitted in early 2011.

David Carnegie said: "There is a serious shortfall of industrial land in both south Aberdeenshire and north Angus, and this development will help to not only address that but to deliver much-needed associated housing to meet the serious housing land supply in Aberdeenshire.

"Edzell's proximity to Dundee, Montrose and Aberdeen ensures reduced journey times for commuters."

Mr Carnegie added that developing a brownfield site would also help protect greenbelt areas in the region.