A bid has been made to build new homes on the southern edge of Elgin.
Springfield Properties has submitted a planning application for 16 flats on Thornhill Drive, by the roundabout leading onto the A941 Elgin-Rothes road.
A report by council planning officers is recommending approval of the proposal – even though it is exceeds the number of properties earmarked for the area in the local authority’s own development plan.
The area was identified as suitable for a maximum of 350 “housing units” in 2008.
Subsequent departures from the plan mean the number of homes either built or approved for construction in the future has already hit 401.
The latest development would take the total to 417.
Council officers say infrastructure, such as roads and drainage, has significantly improved since the 350 figure was first set.
In addition, work is currently being carried out to widen the busy Sandy Road route nearby.
The officers’ report says: “The proposal can be supported as an acceptable departure from the development plan.
“In all other respects, including regard to siting, design and servicing arrangements, the proposal complies with the relevant policies.”
Moray Council’s planning committee is due to hold a special hearing on Tuesday, August 5, to decide whether or not to approve the bid.
The proposed flats would be built as a pair of two-storey blocks, each containing eight two-bedroom apartments.
The officers’ report says that although the flats would have balconies, they have been designed so they do not overlook existing properties.
The development would also contain a shared communal parking area.