The plans, which are being put forward by developer Fredrick Parkes, include three affordable homes and a further accessible property on land to the rear of Ewing Crescent.

Planning officials had recommended the development for approval stressing that the large properties, which will include four and five-bedroom varieties, would be a welcome addition to the town.

Letters of support for the application welcomed the larger homes, but more than 40 objections to the plans were also submitted.

A contribution of £71,500 to local primary schools and health facilities will also be sought from Frederick Parkes.

Fochabers Lhanbryde councillor Marc Macrae said: “I welcome the quality of this development. There are green lights in all the indicators on the planning report.

“There are provisions being made for biodiversity enhancement and improvement and I think this is the sort of development we should be supporting.”