The target is to build 70 each financial year between 2017 and 2020, and Moray Council is looking to exceed this by creating affordable homes in Forres, Buckie, Elgin and Keith.

During 2017/18 completions at Burdshaugh in Forres, Barrhill Road in Buckie and Linkwood in Elgin saw 47 homes built.

This year developments in Ferrylea and Strathcona Road in Forres, and the Driving Range and Linkwood in Elgin will see another 68 completions, with 108 completions scheduled for 2019/20 at Elgin South, Barhill Road in Buckie and Banff Road in Keith – bringing the total over the three years to 223.

It’s been confirmed that the 2017/18 developments at Burdshaugh and Barhill Road have been completed within budget, and it’s expected that all current contracts will also come in within budget.

Moray Council’s head of housing and property, Richard Anderson, said the progress was significant.

“We’re investing millions of pounds in affordable housing in Moray; what this means is that we’re able to provide the opportunity for hundreds of people and families to settle in their own homes in the area.

“Completion of the homes gives us a great sense of satisfaction because we know how much work has gone into building these, but it doesn’t compare to handover day when residents finally move in and can call the home their own.”

At tomorrow’s meeting of Moray Council’s communities committee, elected members will be asked for approval to progress land purchases at sites in Buckie and Mosstodloch, which already have planning permission for a total of 87 homes. If agreed by the communities committee, further approval from the policy & resources committee would be sought later this month.