Kirkwood Homes will progress the project at Blackdog, just southeast of the Aberdeen bypass roundabout that links to the A92.

Aberdeenshire Councillors backed the plan for 284 homes having previously deferred a decision to consider concerns raised over noise and the proximity of associated community facilities to the Blackdog Rifle Range, a Ministry of Defence site.

The proposed project is within land already allocated for the development of 600 new houses.

The scheme has, however, now been approved with councillors believing it will play a part in the growth of the community.

Speaking during the latest online meeting of Aberdeenshire Council’s Formartine area committee, Councillor Jim Gifford said he was keen to see the project move forward, The Press and Journal reports.

He added: “I think this is the first phase of a very large development and we really do want to see the other phases brought forward as soon as possible because it is a community we’re building here.

“There are light industrial units and facilities in what will be the new town centre.

“We need to see that all are brought forward so we see the economic benefit as well as everything else that will come from this site.”