Moray councillors have unanimously voted against the building of 22 homes in Hopeman.

Springfield Properties submitted its application for the building of affordable flats and houses on Forsyth Street in November 2016.

But members of Moray Council’s planning & regulatory services committee yesterday upheld officers’ recommendation to refuse permission.

A report to councillors stated that the size and scale of the proposal did not reflect the settlement pattern, failed to integrate into the surrounding area and would be detrimental to the existing open character and identity of Forsyth Street and Hopeman.

The application received four representations of support but 254 objections to the development, mainly from local residents raising concerns about siting and design.

Chair of the committee, Councillor Wilson, said that “although the need for more affordable housing in Moray is recognised, the council felt this development fell outside the current planning guidelines”.