Councillors are expected to give their final backing to proposals to build 12 affordable homes in a north-east town next week.
Planners are eager to push forward with construction of the new properties in Turriff, where more then 1,000 people are currently on the housing waiting list.
The new homes would replace the Erroll Court sheltered housing complex on Easterfield Road after the buildings there were deemed unfit for conversion.
On Tuesday, members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Formartine area committee will be asked to approve the demolition of 14 garages to the rear of the site, to make way for the houses.
In a report to councillors, affordable housing development officer Audrey Johnson says: “Clearly there is identified housing need in Turriff. The provision of 12 units on this site would address identified housing need in the short-term.”
Erroll Court was the oldest housing scheme in the local authority’s stock.
Consent to demolish the accommodation did not need prior approval, and permission has already been granted.
However, planners say planning permission will be required before the garages associated with the site can be knocked down.
Last night Turriff Community Council chairman Ben Ewen said the scheme was likely to find favour with locals.
“We as a community council haven’t had people complaining,” he said.
“You can’t put people into garages and there is a high demand for houses in Turriff.”
Councillors will be presented with two options at Tuesday’s meeting.
They can either agree to build eight homes on the land occupied by Erroll Court sheltered housing complex, or follow the planning department’s recommendation and authorise the demolition of the garages to make space for a total of 12 houses.
The report to the area committee also reveals that since 2010, only three houses have been added to the local authority’s stock locally.