The project will create a range of homes near Blackdog and bring new job opportunities to the area.

The Strabathie Village site, which has already been granted planning permission by Aberdeenshire Council, includes a mixture of three- to five-bedroom energy-efficient new homes. The development is part of a broader investment plan by Persimmon across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, with plans already lodged for 333 new homes on the site of the former Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre in Aberdeen and a further 146 homes in Newmachar.

Construction work on the Strabathie site is due to start in December 2024, with the first new residents expected to move in by August 2025.

The development is set to generate 44 new local construction jobs, as well as an additional 34 jobs within the supply chain.

James MacKay, managing director of Persimmon North Scotland, said: “We are thrilled to have purchased the Strabathie Village site, which marks the start of our plans to deliver high-quality homes at an affordable price across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. With the average price of our homes 20% below the market average, we’re excited to be bringing forward real opportunities for more families to own their own home.

“Our investment in the North East will also create new jobs and training opportunities and we’re committed to working with local communities to ensure our developments make a positive contribution to the area.”

In 2023, Persimmon delivered over 1,500 homes across the country, nearly 300 of which were allocated to local housing associations in help people in housing need.