A north-east town could have fewer affordable homes than originally proposed if councillors approve changes to a masterplan for Fraserburgh.
Local firm Colaren Homes has entered into discussions with Aberdeenshire Council to lay the framework for a 600-home expansion to the south of the town, a scheme which was originally devised more than a decade ago.
However, councillors are now being asked to reconsider the amount of affordable homes it has to build as part of its vision for the masterplan site (M1).
During the first phase of construction, which is hoped will begin later this summer, Colaren had agreed to construct more than 100 homes.
In his report to the Banff and Buchan area committee – which will discuss the proposal on Tuesday – Stephen Archer, the authority’s director of infrastructure services, said 30% of the houses built in the first phase were supposed to be affordable.
Colaren Homes could now provide just 37 units in total during the first phase if the committee decides to reduce this quota to 25%.
Despite this, Mr Archer has recommended councillors approve the change.
He said: “Overall, the planning service is satisfied with the proposed amendments which maintain an appropriate design and spatial solution for the M1 site and provide a suitable context for subsequent planning applications.”
Property agents Knight Frank, which acts on behalf of Colaren, has claimed the change will also mean that the affordable homes will be provided in a different location, closer to existing links to the town.
The original masterplan for the development had plac the homes back from the main road in and out of Kirkton.
Gary Purves, senior planner with Knight Frank, said the vision for the M1 site is to create an area locals can be “proud of” for years to come.
“The streets will be based on a village-style pattern using mini-squares and accessible green spaces to emulate the Broch’s historic grid layout,” he said.
