Set on the south side of the historic town, these new homes are part of a larger tenure-neutral private development by Springfield Properties and consists of 16 bungalows, 16 flats and five large-sized family homes – all within easy access to the Towns facilities and schools.

Chair for the Grampian Housing Association management board, Dr Abhi Agarwal, said: “I am delighted that in partnership with Springfield Properties, Grampian Housing Association is making a significant contribution to the provision of high-quality affordable homes in the beautiful town of Forres with the delivery of these houses, flats and accessible bungalows.

“The design and quality of build of these houses is excellent and will provide great homes for our tenants, satisfying a range of needs in an inclusive and affordable way for years to come.”

Chief executive officer for the Grampian Group, Craig Stirrat, said: “The Association has committed to build 500 new homes in every part of Grampian by 2024.

“Working in partnership with developers and taking forward our own developments, we look to exceed our target. To date, we have built 425 houses with 115 currently under construction and a further 201 included in future plans should the market be right.”

Springfield Partnerships managing director, Tom Leggeat, said: “We’re really pleased to have been involved with the design and delivery of these homes in partnership with Grampian Housing Association in Forres. Together we’ve delivered an excess of 150 highly energy efficient homes, including the latest homes in Forres.

“We are already in discussion with them about the next phase of affordable housing in Forres and are in early conversation with them about a potential site within our Elgin South Village.”

Councillor Dunbar, chair of Moray Council’s Housing and Community Safety Committee, said: “Both Grampian Housing Association and Springfield Partnerships are valued partners in the delivery of new affordable housing in Moray. This development will contribute to the delivering the aims of the council’s Local Housing Strategy by providing much needed housing options for the people Forres and the surrounding area.”

The £5.1 million housing development at Forres was supported by £2.9m of Scottish Government funding, and was designed and built by Springfield to a very high standard with the needs of the householders at the heart of the development. Within the development, there will be two Breathing Space benches that, in partnership with NHS 24, encourage the public to take some time for their mental wellbeing.

All of the bungalows are designed to be accessible with many benefitting from wheelchair adapted “rise and fall” kitchens, wet rooms and digital remote door entry. All homes benefit from features such as (net zero carbon) air sourced heating system, water saving taps and toilets, low energy LED lighting and mechanical ventilation systems. Home Energy rating for all properties is “B”.