Banchory Community Council want to hold a public meeting to allow local residents to comment on Tesco's proposed eco-store.

Council chairman Keith White said: "There will be a public meeting regarding the application. We haven't decided whether it will be a half-day event where people can come and go as they please or a scheduled meeting, although I think it is probably more likely to be an event where people can come and go as they please."

Banchory and Mid-Deeside councillor Linda Clark felt that encouraging the community to voice its opinion could only be a positive thing.

She said: "It is always good to give the community an opportunity to have its say. The manner in which you do that is important. If there is to be a public meeting then it is important that it is done properly and in the right way."

The decision to hold a public meeting follows concerns raised at Monday's community council meeting by local residents over the potential traffic problems that could arise if the eco-store is given the green light, as well as the increased noise and light pollution it could bring to the area.

Banchory resident Hywel Williams asked the council to consider holding a public meeting so that residents could be given an opportunity to express their views on Tesco's plans.

Mr Williams raised his concerns regarding the increased volume of traffic the eco-store and the proposed park and ride facility could bring to the area at the Hill of Banchory.

He added: "I think the businesses in the town will suffer as Tesco is a profit driven organisation. I'm just concerned because Banchory is a lovely town and there are a lot of problems such as light and noise pollution that could be created by this application."