Councillors on the Buchan Area Committee agreed with the recommendations of council planners this week by approving the plans with provision being made for affordable housing at the site just west of the village.

Stephen Archer, the authority’s director of infrastructure services, has argued the development, to be delivered by Claymore Homes Ltd, would be “appropriate” for the area.

He added up to 50 affordable homes could be created.

Following the meeting, Councillor Norman Smith said: “The plans for 150 homes were passed unanimously by the committee.

“I would expect that the provision of affordable housing would be built at every phase of the development.

“We are always on the lookout for more affordable housing.

“The committee meeting went really well today and I would say there are a lot of exciting things happening in the area.”

Planning permission in principle was also approved for Castlehill Housing Association’s proposals for 73 homes at Aden Park Estate in Mintlaw.

Councillors had been recommended to support the proposals, despite the local development plan only proposing the site be used for almost half the number of homes.

Stephen Archer said: “The application site is allocated within the Local Development Plan (LDP) for 34 houses, however, 73 houses are proposed.

“While this will result in an increase in the number of housing units on the site, as opposed to what is stated in the LDP, if there are no adverse impacts as a result of this then the increased total of housing units may be considered acceptable.

“Eight letters of representation have been submitted objecting to the planning application.”

Councillor Smith added: “This was approved under the delegated grant powers for planning permission in principle so we expect to see detailed plans shortly for us to make a decision on.”