Barratt North Scotland had proposed the development of 109 houses and 12 flats on a site near Park Place in Newtonhill.

A quarter of the properties are for affordable housing.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee met to discuss the development after planning officers recommended the homes are approved via a delegated grant.

A report to the council committee said: “A significant number of representations express concern regarding the loss of public access to the area known as the Moor as a result of the development.

“While this service acknowledges this loss, it must be remembered the public has enjoyed access and amenity over private land.

“While many view the area as a public asset that should be saved for the greater good, it is not the gift of the planning authority to insist private land is retained for recreational use.”

The local authority received 651 objections against the plan with opponents suggesting the development would have a negative impact on school rolls and would lead to a loss of green space.

Councillors on the committee deferred a decision on the plans so they can gather more information on how the proposals would impact on local schools, transportation, and associated infrastructure in the coastal community.

Councillor Colin Pike said: “This application has created a lot of unsettlement in the community. An almost unprecedented number of people, members of the public, have made representation. I think we have a duty not to ignore that.”

It is hoped the proposals will once again come before the committee by the end of the year.