A proposal to build 225 new homes in Peterhead were first unveiled two years ago by Muir Homes and have finally been given the seal of approval by the local authority.

The decision means the Fife-based construction company can commence work at the West Road locale in the hope of attracting hundreds of families to the town by next spring.

A spokeswoman for Muir Homes said the firm was hoping to have feet on the ground by October.

She told the Press & Journal: “We are delighted to have secured planning approval for our site at West Road in Peterhead.

“We have been working with the council for some months to secure consent for a mix of detached and semi-detached terraced family homes.

“We remain positive about the prospects for the north-east economy and the development at Peterhead is part of our expansion strategy for the area which adds to our current sites in Aberdeen and Laurencekirk.”

Concerns had been raised about the strain the development would place on local schools, though since the application was formally submitted, Aberdeenshire Council has taken steps to move the boundaries for catchment areas.

It means that children moving into the new houses will be zoned for Dales Park Primary School which is running under capacity.

The new homes, which will include a mix of three and four-bedroom properties, will be built over four phases.

In a design statement submitted alongside the application, a spokesman for Muir Homes said a 20mph speed limit would be imposed on the development’s roads.

Public gardens, which will form the “core of the open space provision”, will also be created.

He added: “The design of the street layout, open spaces and buildings will take account of, recognise and respect the character and topography of the landscape and the microclimate of this area to ensure energy efficiency.”