The developer had already secured permission for a quarry office at Burnthills Farm, two miles west of Fraserburgh, which would have housed two to three staff members.

However, as a result of changes in the business, Colaren Homes said it now wants to relocate staff currently based in its existing office in Fraserburgh to the office at Burnthills.

It therefore submitted plans for a larger office housing 10 staff in total, which would be heated using renewable energy from existing biomass boilers at Burnthill.

Managing director Colin Smith told The Press and Journal: “One of the main reasons for us requiring the new office is so we can make sure we comply with the new social distancing guidelines, so we can protect the health and wellbeing of our staff which is our number one priority.”

Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks to allow for the office to open in spring 2021.