Approval has been given for the first new council housing to be built in Kirkcaldy for two decades.
And more than £4 million has been earmarked to make improvements to council housing in the area.
Kirkcaldy area committee councillors gave the green light to the development of 32 houses in Ostlers Way in the Chapel area.
Work on the first new local authority homes to be built in the town in more than 20 years could now start as early as March.
The development will consist of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, ranging between one and three storeys.
Three amenity bungalows and three properties suitable for wheelchairs will provide homes for tenants with specific needs.
The development also incorporates a large open space and landscaping.DelightedCommittee chairwoman Councillor Alice Soper said, “I am delighted that the planning application for this development has been given the go-ahead.
“Increasing access to housing is one of Fife Council’s top priorities and now that work can get under way, we could be looking at the first tenants moving into these homes in the early part of next year.”
The committee also approved a £4.2 million housing investment programme for the area, which will see council houses being significantly upgraded over the next year.
The significant investment will bring improvements to roofs, windows, doors, kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems.
Due to start in April, the work will ensure the council’s properties meet tenant expectations as well as the Scottish Housing Quality Standard, she added.
“Recent changes to the way the investment programme is delivered means we can ensure properties in most need of investment are targeted, regardless of their geographical location,” she said.
“The programme will deliver better quality housing and provide a warm, healthy and safe home environment for residents of the area.
“I look forward to seeing the improvements being carried out in the area over the next year.”MomentumHousing and communities committee chairman Councillor Brian Goodall, added, “The council’s new build programme is gathering momentum.
“Work at Castle Road in Rosyth is already under way and the North East Fife area committee also approved a planning application at their meeting yesterday for 22 new council houses to be built at Monks Moss in Ladybank.
“Coupled with the anticipated proposal for 30 new houses at Blacklaw Road in Dunfermline, the council will be providing 119 new homes for rent over the next few years in addition to the 41 homes already built on Linburn Road, Dunfermline.”
Some 230 affordable homes will also be completed this financial year through the partnership with Fife Housing Association Alliance, the local authority’s preferred development partner.
“I am particularly pleased that all of these properties will be built to the council’s enhanced specification which means that among other features, sprinkler systems will be fitted in every house as well as solar hot water panels and energy monitoring meters.
“I look forward to seeing work under way on these sites over the coming months,” Mr Goodall said.
He said the Better Homes exhibition the council held last year was a “real success” in terms of giving tenants a better understanding of the types of modernisation works the council was carrying out in homes across Fife.
“We will be holding another exhibition in March this year and I urge tenants to take advantage of this event which is also used to capture their views and expectations.
“Coupled with the committee approval to build 32 houses at Ostlers Way, this really is a good news day for council housing in Kirkcaldy.
“Not only does it demonstrate Fife Council’s commitment to increasing access to housing, it will also help ensure our properties meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.”