The local authority is asking its own planning department to approve the plans to build the houses and flats in the north-east village.

The site in question, next to Blackford Avenue, is outlined for housing in the yet-to-be adopted local development plan.

James Huntley, the council’s architectural technologist, said: “Due to funding commitments from the Scottish Government, the development is unable to wait until the 2020 LDP is approved. This is due to the funding having a caveat stating it needs to be spent by March 31 2021.

“The development is for 100% affordable homes consisting of houses and flats for rent. It is shown that there is a need for affordable houses within Rothienorman, which is supported by the Aberdeenshire Council waiting list 2020 and the housing need and demand assessment 2017.”

If approved, the council intends to develop a mixture of two and four-bedroom semi and detached houses, with space for 26 cars, The Press and Journal reports.