The developers behind a massive housing scheme in the north of Elgin are confident of submitting their proposals to Moray Council by the end of the year.
Pitgaveny Estate is overseeing a milestone project to create 1,500 houses at Findrassie, and the firm has revealed it is putting the finishing touches to a planning application for a first batch of 300 homes.
They aim to tender the proposal with Moray Council ahead of the festive season, with construction scheduled to begin by the end of next year or in early 2018.
Pitgaveny, through its agent Savills Smiths Gore, said that its first phase would include 75 affordable housing units.
Last night, Elgin City North councillor Patsy Gowans welcomed the news that the creation of affordable living space was being treated as a priority.
She said: “We need affordable housing for our young people, who currently have to rent.
“There is also growing demand when it comes to older people with wheelchairs and mobility issues, because we don’t have the stock to match the need.”
Pitgaveny’s masterplan for the Findrassie scheme was unanimously backed by Moray Council in December.
The development will be constructed on 275 acres of land between Lossiemouth Road and Duffus Road.
As well as 1,500 houses, the scheme has earmarked space for community facilities, cycle paths, woodland, an amphitheatre, a cafe and a 30-acre business park.
The new h will range from one-bedroom cottage flats to five-bedroom family homes.
It is estimated that its construction will create hundreds of jobs in Moray.
Planning advisor, Donald Lunan, said: “We have considered the existing landscape, natural surroundings and heritage in detail, working with designs influenced by local people who live on the land and have the best interests of the local area at heart.”
It is estimated that the development will take about 25 years to construct, and planners have begun making preparations for the lengthy project.
Savills recently submitted a request to Moray Council, asking the authority to establish whether environmental studies will need to be performed in advance of building work getting under way.