Residents are set to move into the first new council housing built in Perth and Kinross for more than 20 years.
The homes unveiled at Duneaves Place in Perth’s Letham area are part of a £3.7 million investment in communities desperately in need of affordable property.
Keys to the six houses were handed over by contractors Hadden Construction to Perth and Kinross Council’s housing and health convener, Councillor Peter Barrett.
They comprise three three-bedroom homes (for a family of five), two four-bedroom homes (six people) and one five-bedroom home (eight people).
Significant investment has been secured to make the plans for the council housing the first built since 1985 a reality.
A successful bid for £650,000 was made in 2009 to the Scottish Government fund available to councils to help pay for affordable housing.
Perth and Kinross Council additionally provided almost £3 million for these properties, together with 20 new homes in Methven construction of which is now nearly complete and 10 properties in the Moncrieffe area of Perth.
Mr Barrett welcomed the new housing, saying, “There is an acute need for affordable housing in Perth and Kinross to help local families and as a council we are working hard in a range of ways to bridge this gap and ensure people have roofs over their heads.
“This is an important step in our programme for building new council housing in areas where the pressure on existing housing stock is greatest.
“Plans to develop more homes in Methven, Scone, Pitlochry and Alyth are well under way and we are also currently considering future proposals at present.
“I am sure our new tenants will be looking forward to getting settled into their homes. A huge amount of work has gone into the construction process, thanks to Hadden, producing excellent quality housing.
“Moreover, I would also like to thank our site neighbours for their patience during the build phase.”
Scott Hadden, chairman of Hadden Construction, added, “Hadden Construction Limited consider it a privilege to work in association with Perth and Kinross Council and their dedicated team to deliver the first affordable housing in the area for more than 20 years.
“We are sure the design, technical innovation and high standard of workmanship all achieved by local craftsmen will leave a legacy of excellence and sustainability to which all associated with the project can be proud.”
The council has prepared a bid to the government for a further £1.35 million, which would part-fund the project to create further much-needed housing in Methven, Scone, Pitlochry and Alyth.
It has outlined a £5.7 million proposal to create a total of 45 houses in those communities.