Ellon-based housebuilder Scotia Homes wants to develop arable land at Crudie Farm, adjacent to Arbirlot Road West. 

If approved, the housing will be the first tranche in a five-phase programme for hundreds of new homes.

The current 12-acre application site is allocated for around 120 new homes in the 2021/2026 Angus local plan. The full site stretches to 72 acres and has been identified as suitable for future growth of the town.

Designed by MGA Architecture, the proposed houses are predominantly two storey but bungalows will be built as part of the 25% affordable housing element of the development, equating to 36 homes.

Scotia said ten homes have been designed to meet particular needs, with four fully wheelchair accessible.

A proposal of application notice for the site was lodged by Scotia earlier this year. Changes to early plans in light of public comments and pre-application advice from Angus Council include cycling routes, more landscaping and rows of houses being broken up to reduce the impact of parking outside.

The first phase – and future developments – will incorporate cycling and pedestrian routes to nearby Muirfield Primary School.

Two main accesses to the site will be taken from Arbirlot Road West.

And there are plans to include six EV charging stations across the site and use heat source air pumps for heating and hot water.

The Crudie Farm development brief said: “The site capitalises on the renewal and extension of Muirfield Primary School and has good linkages to employment and retail facilities, as well as the school and transport links.

“Development proposals are expected to respect, maintain and enhance the character of the area.

“The site is currently in arable agricultural use, is generally flat and slopes gently towards the south.”

Scotia has also lodged a full planning application for 32 houses at Dubton Farm, Brechin.

The company is currently building its Glenview development on the site of the former Princess Alexandra House Guide Dogs for the Blind training centre on Dundee Road in Forfar.