The proposals are contained in the recent publication of the main issues report of the council's Local Development Plan 2009 and the meeting is designed to enable residents to understand and express their views on the development choices set out in the report.

Details of the plan can be found on the council's website (www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/ldp) but the area preferred by the council for development is the one at the north-west corner of Aboyne, adjacent to the Tarland Road.

Duncan Robson, vice chairman of the community council, said: "We strongly urge Aboyne residents to come to this important meeting and make known their views, not just on the proposals for developing this particular area but on any aspect of planning that could have an impact on the character and infrastructure of the village, as well as local services.

"We recognise the need for affordable housing, but we must also look at the requirement for office space, retail developments and industrial units. The meeting will give residents the opportunity to bring forward their own proposals and help shape the future of Aboyne.

"We will be gathering all the views expressed at the meeting and passing them to Aberdeenshire Council, but residents can also respond directly via the council's website. There will also be forms in Aboyne Library for capturing individual comments and suggestions and we will be at the Co-operative supermarket in Aboyne this coming Saturday to highlight the various issues."

The meeting takes place at 7.30pm on Thursday, July 9.