Nearly 50 homes could be built in a Moray village after more than a decade of talks about the site.

Developers Tulloch of Commingston has submitted plans for 48 homes as the first phase of its Firth Rise development on the western boundary of Hopeman. Up to 75 properties have been identified for the entire farmland site.

A new nursing home has also been proposed in order to allow older residents to continue to stay in the village when they are no longer able to live on their own.

Meanwhile, a range of flats, bungalows and two to five-bedroom homes have been proposed for the rest of the site with a central play area for children.

The housebuilder has proposed 12 affordable units with a further seven planned as part of later construction with negotiations underway with Osprey Housing about the design.

The firm hopes to begin construction late this year once planning permission is given and the current COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed.

Meanwhile, the Keith Institute in a Moray town centre is poised to be refurbished to create a retail unit and flats.

The B-listed Victorian building has previously been used as a library, lecture hall, restaurant and was most recently council offices until they were closed in 2012.

Plans have already been approved to convert the front of the building into a shop and three two-bedroom flats.

Now new proposals have been sent to planners to convert the rear of the building into four additional flats.

Plans have also been lodged to convert a shop storage area into a number of flats.

Proposals submitted to Moray Council seek permission for the conversion of the premises on Batchen Street in Elgin.

The application outlines plans to turn the existing shop storage area at 42 Batchen Street into a total of four separate flats.