The Camphill community helps children and adults

The report suggests residents at the Camphill Village Trust's Newton Dee community at Milltimber could even be moved during construction.

The community, which opposes the proposed route, has warned the road would ruin its special atmosphere.

But supporters of the �120m bypass scheme welcomed the findings.

The Camphill organisation was founded in Aberdeen almost 70 years ago and has grown into an international movement dedicated to helping adults and children with special needs.

There are more than 90 Camphill communities in 21 countries, including 47 in the UK and Ireland.

Route 'feasible'

The Deeside community has become the focus of an international campaign.

Protesters claim the proposed bypass would cut through Camphill's heart and destroy it.

The executive asked Professor James Hogg of Dundee University to investigate the human impact.

We here who know how it is to live with the children, and how our community functions, know that this would be impossible Dr Stefan Geider

His report has still to be published, but BBC Scotland understands that he has concluded the community could survive if the preferred route is finally chosen.

Prof Hogg admits there would be disruption, especially during construction, but he suggests problems could be overcome, with the community's help.

But Camphill spokesman Dr Stefan Geider said he was not convinced.

Dr Geider said: "He speaks about probabilities not certainties, probability that Camphill could potentially survive.

The proposed bypass route is still to be finalised

"But the risk is so high that in the current situation, we here who know how it is to live with the children, and how our community functions, know that this would be impossible."

But Aberdeen City Council leader Kate Dean said the suggestion that part of the community could be relocated would have to be considered.

She said: "What's bothered me up until now is that the people organising the Camphill protest have not been prepared to talk at all about any mitigation measures or anything they could do apart from moving the road.

"So I would hope that they would actually consider this."

Campaigners also fear constant traffic noise could disrupt work done at the Camphill Rudolph Steiner school with children suffering from severe behavioural problems