BHA purchased the site from housebuilder Springfield Properties. The site purchase was funded by a Scottish Government grant and was supported by Scottish Borders Council (SBC).

The Scottish Government has also given grant funding towards the construction of the new homes with BHA funding the balance and the work is being carried out by Springfield Properties. The development will contribute to SBC’s targets for much needed affordable housing for families in the Scottish Borders.

In total 29 affordable homes are being built, with the first eight completed ranging from two and three-bedroomed properties. Future handovers will include a mix of four cottage flats, 12 two-bedroomed houses and five three-bedroomed homes. The development is expected to be completed by November 2020.

BHA has been working with Springfield Properties for the first time on this development. They are well known for delivering high quality housing for registered social landlords and local authorities throughout Scotland and are committed to using Borders contractors whenever possible.

Demand from applicants for these new homes has been high and they will help meet local housing need in the Duns area. The larger properties benefit from showers on the ground floor and over bath showers on the first floor allowing them to meet future changing needs of the occupants.

The new homes are of a modern and spacious design and will have high standards of insulation making them very energy efficient. They are all built to the Silver Standard for energy efficiency and have the latest in heat pumps for hot water and space heating. This will also make a significant contribution towards helping tackle the issue of fuel poverty by keeping running costs low for tenants.

Angela Taylor, BHA’s property director, said: “This development is our first project working with Springfield Properties and we are delighted to be delivering these high quality affordable new homes in Duns, working with our partners the Scottish Government and Scottish Borders Council to provide much needed affordable housing in the area.

“All of these homes have been built to high energy efficiency standards, with air source heat pumps for hot water and central heating, which will make them cost effective for the families living in them.”

Tom Leggeat, Springfield Properties managing director of affordable housing, said: “We’re really pleased to have completed and handed over the initial homes in Duns at our first project with Berwickshire Housing Association.

“These homes, just off Springfield Avenue, are highly energy efficient which help keep running costs low for customers.

“They are a short walk to a local shop and in a scenic, semi-rural location. The development will bring much needed affordable homes to the area and continue to create numerous job opportunities for local trades and suppliers.”