Another affordable housing development for Fife has been announced with building work beginning on a development of 24 one- and two-bed flats as part of the drive to create 2,700 new affordable homes by 2017.

The homes are being built for Fife Council by Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, and when completed will be available for mid-market rent through Kingdom Housing Group.

Cllr Judy Hamilton, executive spokesperson for Housing & Building Services, recently visited the site with local councillors. She said: “Our commitment to deliver 2,700 new affordable homes by 2017 is picking up pace and I’m very pleased to be announcing our latest addition as this development in Lapwing Drive.

“The majority of the homes we’re building will be for council rent with many of those allocated to existing Council tenants on the transfer list. However, we do recognise the need to deliver other types of affordable housing too and mid-market rent homes are an important part of that offering.

“It’s encouraging to see the good progress of the Affordable Housing Programme. This development, like the many others already built or under construction, is set to offer tenants safe, secure, energy efficient affordable homes.

“Today’s announcement takes the overall Progamme count to 1,997 either completed or on site and we’re very much looking forward to soon hitting the important halfway milestone of 1,350 homes completed.”

Pauline Mills, land and planning director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, added: “As one of the largest residential developers in the UK, developing new homes and communities across the country, we’re very happy to be playing a role in the delivery of Fife Council’s Affordable Housing Programme.

“Today’s event marks the start of construction of 24 one and two bedroom apartments. This is a great demonstration of the local authority working hand-in-hand with private residential developers to provide much needed housing of all tenures across the Fife area. It also recognises our continued long-term commitment to Dunfermline.”

Stephen Cairns, head of housing at Kingdom Housing Group, visited the site and said: “There is a growing need for affordable housing of all tenures across Fife and the demand in Dunfermline is very high. The provision of these mid-market rent homes will help contribute to meeting these needs and provide the tenants with a high quality affordable home.”