Aberdeen-based developer Kirkwood Homes and Tweed Estates applied to build the homes on land close to the city’s Asda supermarket at Slackbuie. A quarter of the homes will fall into the council’s “affordable” classification for subsidised purchases.

The development is planned for a nine-acre site near the fast evolving area’s Asda superstore on Sir Walter Scott Drive. The plans involve building on fields above Asda with access being taken from the roundabout outside the supermarket.

Welcoming the Highland Council decision, Allan Rae of Kirkwood Homes said: “Great care and attention went into the proposals which represent our first development in the city.

“We look forward to delivering high quality homes as well a working with our partners New Land Assets (Tweed Estates) and Marstons to provide new employment opportunities and leisure facilities for the local community.”