If approved, the plans will expand its Strathmore Fields development near Forfar’s community campus.

The company has already sold 75% of the 236 homes on that site, which are still under construction.

Guild Homes said the expansion west towards the Kirriemuir junction on the Forfar bypass is a “natural and seamless continuation”.

A Proposal of Application has been lodged with Angus Council and will be the subject of virtual community consultation events in August, The Courier reports.

Mark Guild of Guild Homes said: “The proposal is a direct response to the success of the 236-house Strathmore Fields development, which to date is 75% sold, including the delivery of 36 affordable homes.

“The houses have proved very popular both with local people and for many wishing to move to the Forfar area.

“The successful occupation of all 36 affordable houses, the huge demand for private housing and in particular our range of smaller two and threebedroom houses has encouraged Guild Homes to seek an extension to the development.

“The proposed development will provide around 245 additional houses, including a further 61 affordable houses of which 49 will be fully accessible to all/bungalows, along with many smaller private houses and larger family homes.”

He added: “Guild Homes are Angus-based and wholly committed to the area. We pride ourselves in the quality of our homes and the environments we create. As much as possible we employ local people and secure our building materials from local companies.”

Mr Guild believes the £50m development value could bring as much as £125m of further indirect economic benefit to the local area.

He continued: “We have decided to promote this extension as we consider this to be the best site in Forfar for new housing and the only site available for early delivery to meet current housing demand.

“While other allocated sites in the town may come forward in the future, the sites do not appear to have made any progress to date, with clear and significant obstructions to development.

“The continued failure to deliver runs the risk of a shortage of new homes in the Forfar area.”

A virtual exhibition is due to run from August 16 to 30, with a further virtual live event to quiz the housing developers on August 26.