DJ Laing Homes Ltd will deliver a mix of single, one-and-a-half and two-storey detached and semi-detached properties – 14 of which will be in the “affordable” criteria – on unused Greenlawhill Farm that sits between Barry and Carnoustie.

The development, which will also include access roads, open space and landscaping, is split into two phases with an initial 29 houses that will be followed by 28 more in the second project stage.

The application was recommended for approval by council planners before it was put forward at a development standards committee on Tuesday.

A total of 77 objections were raised against the project as a whole with concerns including the loss of agricultural land, possible negative impacts on wildlife and trees, concerns for local services and claims there is no need for additional housing in the area.

However, DJ Laing Homes responded to complaints saying there is sufficient capacity at local schools to accommodate future residents. A habitat survey has been carried out to address concerns about wildlife.

In another statement, the developer said: “This project will provide much-needed housing, including 14 affordable homes. It will also secure the company’s future workload and safeguard local employment, supporting 200 jobs. The site at Greenlawhill hasn’t been used as agricultural land for a number of years and is now unsightly.”

Lee Fotheringham, director of Voigt Architects Limited, has said: “We believe the overall development offers an attractive layout with a selection of house types and tenures for an area of South Angus earmarked for housing”.

“It will follow the current rural setting which Barry village holds and the proposed houses will be single or 1.5 storey houses. The open nature of the site will be complemented by additional landscaping and an amenity/green space in the centre of the development which greatly exceeds current requirements”.

The council also stressed there are no “material considerations” that justify the refusal to grant planning permission for the bid.

Convener David Cheape said: “A number of the representations refer to issues that cannot be controlled by the planning system, such as provisions of new shops, a petrol station or even service at their local health centre.”

He added: “Despite comments to the contrary both Burnside Primary School and Carnoustie High School currently are well under capacity and are forecast to remain so until the end of this decade.

“This development in my opinion will provide new homes, including affordable homes, and my help actually sustain the services in the community.”

Councillors unanimously approved both phases of the development.