Aberdeenshire Council agreed to lend funds to Create Homes Aberdeenshire to enable the purchase of 24 affordable housing units from Stewart Milne Group at the developers Westfield site in Westhill.

The purchase will be completed in two phases, the first 12 houses will be purchased in July with the other 12 homes to be purchased in October.

Rents will be charged at 100 per cent of Local Housing Allowance Rate which in Westhill will result in a monthly rental of £551 for a one bedroom flat, £703 for a 2 bedroom flat and £801 for a 3 bedroom house.

Discussions are ongoing with developers for the provision of further developments for mid-market rental properties. It is anticipated that up to 160 will be available by the end of March 2018.

Provost of Aberdeenshire Cllr Hamish Vernal said: “A lot of work has gone in to planning and setting up the partnership so it is great to see it delivering the affordable housing that is badly needed in Aberdeenshire.

“The initiative will provide homes to households on modest incomes who are likely to struggle to afford private renting at current market rents but who are also unlikely to be able to access social housing.”

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s social work and housing committee, Cllr Anne Allan, said: “The mid-market rented housing provision is just one of many examples where Aberdeenshire Council is working with partner organisations to address the lack of affordable housing in Aberdeenshire.

“Being able to provide affordable accommodation is essential in order to attract people to come and work in the area and fill key vacancies, especially in the education and care sectors.”

@Aberdeenshire