The expansion of a north-east town was confirmed last night as councillors heralded the impact of the Kirkton masterplan on the future of Fraserburgh.
Local firm Colaren Homes unveiled plans to build 120 new houses as part of the first phase of its masterplan for the south of the town earlier this year and the proposal was backed unanimously by Banff and Buchan councillors.
Colaren’s vision for the Kirkton area could now create up to 600 homes in the port alongside three hectares of employment land and community facilities.
At yesterday’s meeting of the Banff and Buchan area committee, which approved the first phase of construction, the scheme was dubbed a “fantastic flag” for the town to be flying.
Councillor Brian Topping, meanwhile, praised the developers as having a “100%, first-class record” of creating good quality homes.
Charles Buchan said: “This is a big plus for Fraserburgh.”
And Michael Watt added that he was supportive of construction work beginning.
He explained: “It’s showing how Fraserburgh is expanding. And I think it is a fantastic flag to be flying in Fraserburgh.”
Gary Purves, a senior planner with property agents Knight Frank, had previously earmarked this summer as a potential starting date for the work.
He added: “The vision for the Kirkton Heights development is to create an attractive and distinctive part of the town which has a sense of place and which local folk will 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.”
Of the homes built in the first phase of construction, 25% will be deemed as “affordable”.
This number will be maintained throughout all phases of the development.
Land for a new school and medical centre has also been identified within the scheme, which the local authority and NHS Grampian, respectively, will be responsible for delivering, when and if they are deemed necessary.
