The approval of nearly 900 new homes in Elgin has been hailed as a catalyst for driving further investment in the town.
Yesterday Springfield Properties was given the go-ahead for a development that could lead to 2,500 houses in the south of the town.
Construction could begin on the first batch of properties and the Moray Sports Centre before the end of the year.
The wide-ranging proposals also include commercial units for shops and eateries as well as medical facilities and plots for two new primary schools – the first of which is due to open in 2019.
Moray Council convener James Allan hailed the approval of the plans as showing the region was “open for business”.
And John Cowe, chairman of Moray Economic Partnership, explained approval of the scheme was critical to driving forward further bids to boost the area’s prospects through a city deal funding bid.
He said: “It’s a huge vote of confidence by the developer in the future of Moray as a viable and vibrant place to do business.
“At the moment we need 530 new homes a year to keep up with demand. It’s impossible for the council to do that so these are badly needed.”
SNP group co-leader Graham Leadbitter added: “This demonstrates confidence in the Elgin economy and provides vital affordable housing, which is one of the biggest issues raised with me by constituents.”
Members of the council’s planning committee voted overwhelmingly to approve the plans by 15 votes to four with two abstentions.
A total of 217 houses in the 870-home development have been classed as “affordable” – there are currently 3,500 people on the council’s housing waiting list.
Councillors discussed the vast documents for more than three hours yesterday before eventually granting the project approval.
Donald Lunan, planning consultant for Pitgaveny Estate’s Findassie project, argued the plans should be thrown out because the site was not ready for development, according to council plans.
Elgin City North councillor Frank Brown pushed for Springfield to increase their financial payment to the council from £5.6million to £13million to take into account the strain on authority services.
However, planner at the firm, Joe Geoghegan, warned that doubling their commitment would kill the development as “unviable”.
Mr Brown said: “I don’t accept economic development at any cost to the council which will impact on the services, which may have to be sacrificed.”
