Moray councillors gave the go-ahead for the development of the 1.8-hectare site during yesterday’s planning committee.

The site was previously identified as the location for a primary school but, as explained in the recently-reviewed Elgin South masterplan, a larger 2.5-hectare school site will be required in the area, proposed to be further south of this development.

Six of the homes will be categorised as accessible, with two as affordable to supplement the 15 affordable homes approved on the neighbouring South Glassgreen site.

An open seating area, with landscaping and public art features in the plans, as well as measures to enhance the natural environment including insect-friendly grass mixes, bird and bat boxes, and hedgehog pathways beneath fences.

Councillor David Bremner, chair of Moray Council’s planning and regulatory services committee, said: “It’s encouraging to see that much-needed homes are being built in the area, including affordable and accessible homes. I also welcome the consideration of local wildlife and biodiversity, as well as the significant contribution which will be required from the developer in relation to transport, healthcare, and secondary school provision.”