Plans for a multi-million Jack Nicklaus golf course in Stonehaven will now be reconsidered.
The £80m development which includes 90 homes on the Ury Estate was approved by councillors in April.
A Court of Session ruling has since found that developers are no longer liable for payments to the council’s transport fund.
Councillors will now be asked next Thursday if they still back the plans following the ruling in Edinburgh.
Mr Nicklaus, who won multiple major tournaments and is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time, has previously said he hopes to create a “great golf course” at the site.
Aberdeenshire Council previously approved the plans, despite concerns being raised about the loss of ancient woodland due to the project.
Woodland Trust Scotland said the loss of several hectares of woodland, and hundreds of trees, would be one of the largest it had recorded.
The Forestry Commission had also raised concerns as approximately half of the proposed houses and four holes of the golf course will erode a large area of the long established ancient woodland.
But local councillors believe the development will bring visitors flocking to Stonehaven.
An independent report concluded that the golf course and housing development will inject £55.5m into the Aberdeenshire economy over a 15-year period and create 200 new jobs.
