Aberdeenshire Council has accused a developer of stigmatising buyers of affordable housing.
The claim was made after Fraserburgh-based Colaren Homes moved to significantly revamp plans for a scheme in Mintlaw.
Planning permission for the construction of 86 properties in Buchan’s largest village was granted by councillors two years ago.
Now Colaren Homes has submitted a host of proposals to scale back the number of terraced and semi-detached houses on the 100-acre North Street site from 30% to 23%.
In a report to councillors, the local authority’s planning team has recommended refusal of the application because reducing the mix of accommodation would “be to the detriment” of the development.
Planning boss Stephen Archer said the bid would involve removing up to half of the terraced homes originally earmarked for the site.
“It is considered that the proposals made within these applications would cause a significant loss of character to the housing scheme,” he said.
“It is a matter of concern that if these proposals are approved, the development may get to a point where the only non-detached housing is for affordable housing – effectively stigmatising a particular house type.”
Colaren Homes’ agent Baxter Design has submitted a “justification statement”, in which it insists the rethink has been prompted by shifts in demand.
The firm said the success of the government’s Help to Buy scheme, which provides financial aid for first time buyers, meant families previously in the market for smaller homes could upgrade to detached properties.
“The proposed planning applications reflect the changes in the market that Colaren have witnessed, that people can now afford and are actively seeking to buy detached properties rather than semi-detached and terraced properties,” it said.
Members of the Buchan area committee will meet today to discuss the application.