Plans to replace a derelict garage in the heart of Fraserburgh with 35 new flats have been approved by the local council.
Grampian Housing Association bought the petrol station in the town’s Cross Street last year and lodged plans to create dozens of new homes in the main shopping district.
Work to tear down the garage is currently progressing and GHA hopes the project will help ease the housing shortage in the region.
There are currently more than 10,000 people looking for council housing in the north-east.
Last night Craig Stirrat, business development director for GHA, said: “We are working in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council to bring forward this housing regeneration project in Fraserburgh.
“This development of 35 flats will provide two and three-bedroom affordable rented housing which will help to breathe new life into the town centre and improve the environment and amenities in the area.”
Mr Stirrat added the association was “very pleased” to have been backed by Scottish government and local council grant money to “provide these much-needed, high-quality homes for social rent to meet the needs of local people”,
It is understood construction on the new blocks will begin later this year.
A spokesman for developer Norr added: “We are delighted to have obtained planning consent for a residential development in the Fraserburgh Town Centre Regeneration area.”
In granting planning permission, Robert Gray, Aberdeenshire Council’s head of planning, said: “The proposed development accords with the development plan and there are no material considerations which indicate that permission should be refused.”
The planning department has put several conditions on the permission which must be met before construction can begin.
These include carrying out archaeological and contamination surveys, in addition to creating safe vehicle access onto the site and making space for refuse bins.