The development at Corseduick Road, which will include a variety of homes ranging from two to four bedrooms, received unanimous approval from the Garioch Area Committee. It has been designed to meet the needs of the local housing market and will include 35 homes to be transferred to a local housing association, helping address demand for affordable housing in the area.

The new homes will prioritise energy efficiency, incorporating solar panels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and lower household bills for residents. The plans will also deliver around £240,000 in funding for local healthcare facilities, alongside a further £65,000 for sport and recreation. Persimmon will also invest in road safety improvements around the site.

The project is expected to support up to 125 local jobs and create new apprenticeship opportunities for young people, building on Persimmon’s record as one of Scotland’s largest providers of construction apprenticeships.

James MacKay, managing director of Persimmon North Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to have received support for our plans for Newmachar and I want to thank Aberdeenshire Council for working with us bring forward a development that will deliver significant benefits for the local community.

“Not only will it provide high-quality and affordable new homes, the development will also provide new green space, biodiversity enhancements and funding to improve local facilities. We’re looking forward to creating a development the whole community can be proud of.”

Biodiversity is at the heart of the plans, with the development set to deliver a 36% net gain. Wildlife-friendly measures such as hedgehog highways and swift boxes will be incorporated, alongside a new community orchard and large recreational space for local people to enjoy.