Stewart Milne Homes is preparing to deliver 167 houses and flats on a site between Falkland Avenue and the Aberdeen to Stonehaven railway line, all of which will be marketed as affordable housing.

The homes will be handed over to Hillcrest Homes for social rent once completed.

The plans were approved by Aberdeen City Council last year as councillors determined the development will provide an “adequate and appropriate” level of open space, without impacting on local wildlife or the popular nearby coastal path.

Stewart Milne Homes must also include the provision of full-fibre broadband, electric vehicle charging points and “trespass-proof” fences along the boundary with the Aberdeen-Dundee railway line.

Richard Fawcus, land director at Stewart Milne Homes, said: “This development is the outcome of a partnership approach, working closely with Aberdeen City Council, the Scottish Government and Hillcrest to provide much-needed affordable housing in this popular part of the city.

“These homes will ensure that the many people who wish to remain in the Cove area will now have the opportunity to do so.

“We’ve a strong working relationship with Hillcrest, having recently completed homes for them at Countesswells, Kingswells and Abbotswell Road.

“On completion of these homes at Falkland Avenue, we will have delivered more than 550 homes in Aberdeen with Hillcrest since Autumn 2018.

“These developments not only provide affordable housing, to meet the significant demand in Aberdeen, but also create and safeguard construction jobs.”

Fiona Morrison, Hillcrest deputy chief executive, added: “We are delighted to be bringing much-needed social and mid-market rent homes to Cove in partnership with Stewart Milne Homes, Aberdeen City Council and the Scottish Government.

“These will be more than just new affordable properties for the area – they will be homes that people with a range of needs can thrive and take pride in.”