A house builder has been told that its plans to build homes in a Moray village will be rejected for a third time.
Springfield Properties wants to build 75 houses on land south of Forsyth Street in Hopeman.
The Elgin-based firm has previously tried to secure planning permission for more than 600 homes on the site before the proposals were thrown out on each occasion.
Now Moray Council has announced it will reject the plans once again after the Scottish Government approved its local development plan, which rules out development on the land.
Springfield argues that studies carried out in the area have concluded that the site is capable of supporting housing.
Meanwhile, 63 objections have been lodged about separate plans to demolish the service station on Forsyth Street to make way for eight flats and a Co-op shop.
Jeff Povoas, a member of Hopeman Planning Watch, said: “People are worried about the village becoming over-developed and losing its character.
“We were very happy that the Scottish Government reporter agreed that Forsyth Street should be considered the southern boundary of the village.
“There are already several shops here too, which have shown themselves to be very valuable during the pandemic. There’s no need for a Co-op.”
Springfield currently has 22 homes under construction on Forsyth Street, which received planning permission from the Scottish Government despite 250 objections.
The house builder argued that the development would allow locals to remain in the area without being priced out.
Dave Main, Springfield’s north managing director, said: “We are disappointed that our proposals for new homes for Hopeman have been impacted but are pleased to see Mosstodloch identified as a tertiary growth area.
“We are also pleased to see the pragmatic approach to certain aspects of planning policy which may otherwise have threatened the viability of developments.
“Springfield has worked with Moray Council for many years to deliver new homes, infrastructure, employment and economic growth.
“As we approach an easing of lockdown for construction, we are looking forward to working with the council once again and playing our part in maintaining Moray’s reputation as a fantastic place to live and work.”
