A planning application for 23ha of land near the River Don proposes seven one- and two-storey pavilion-type buildings five miles from the city centre.

They will go beside the existing 550-staff Stoneywood mill and include offices and bases for high-tech uses. There will also be sports facilities for locals. "Our mill will continue, we are one of the largest employers in Aberdeen," said David Russe, Arjo's group property development director. He refused to say who would use the blocks.

However, Michael Moore, the group's property executive, said the firm had ridden the "ups and downs" of the world economy for 20 years, and its investment would be focusing on the technology and IT aspects of its business.

Arjo must look at its buildings and ensure "the mill matches its technological ability as a centre of excellence", he added.

A decision on the outline application is due in early 2003 and phased building could start in two years.

A caseworker for Aberdeen City Council planning department said paths and cycle routes into nearby woods would weave around the 2,230m2 of buildings.

Harry Campbell added: "It is a high-quality scheme. There is a lot of woodland on the site and the main issues are keeping the trees, having low-density buildings, and improving public access."

The offices will go on grazing land and a football pitch, to be relocated. Architect Raymond Canale said large-scale infrastructure would involve roads.

Story by Jez Abbott