Lodged by Springfield Properties for an agricultural site at Meadowbank Road, the proposals were recommended for approval by Aberdeenshire Council planners last week.

However, with all the proposed homes classed as affordable, some councillors questioned whether the project could be delivered as it might not be commercially viable and instead asked for a commitment of only 25% with the remainder left to the developer’s discretion.

Councillor Anne Stirling said: “I have concerns about the deliverability of the affordable housing as it states in the report that Aberdeenshire Council, along with affordable housing partners, would be unable to deliver 231 houses in the five year timescale the applicant requires to make the project viable.”

Members of the Formartine area committee agreed to defer a ruling on the development.