Representatives on the planning and regulatory services committee accepted officer recommendations to grant planning permission to Barratt North Scotland for the first 113 homes of the 8.6-hectare initial development – in accordance with the Findrassie Masterplan, which takes in 112 hectares in total.

There are 28 affordable homes included in the plans submitted as well as car parking and a play area, with fibre broadband and access to an electric vehicle charging point for each home. A tree-lined avenue along the Lossiemouth road will also form part of the development.

The development approval follows news that a new primary school in the area is to be part-funded by Moray Council, with Scottish Government investment, by 2024.

Chair of Moray Council’s planning and regulatory committee, Cllr David Bremner, said: “In-line with our Local Development Plan, the Findrassie settlement will meet the needs of future generations by offering a modern and sustainable way of living. This is a crucial ask in order for us to retain and attract talent to the area.

“We know that every year until 2035 we need to build 318 homes to keep up with demand in Moray. This first phase of construction in Findrassie will see us well on our way to meeting that demand.”