Developer Re-Nutherapy plans to sell off the proposed properties at Blackhill of Culbirnie once they are built in a bid to raise money to construct a hydrotherapy centre nearby.

Members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Banff and Buchan area committee voted five to four in favour of the development despite being urged by planners to reject the proposal on grounds it did not comply with rural development regulations.

A report by the local authority’s infrastructure chief Stephen Archer said the proposal “does not comply” with the rules for rural developments given in council guidelines. It said insufficient evidence had been provided.

The document said: “Specifically, it has not been adequately demonstrated that the overall public benefit will outweigh any negative impact of the development.”

Councillors gave their approval if specific conditions are met.

The application will now go to the infrastructure services committee for a final decision.