Members of the local authority’s environment and housing committee yesterday agreed the purchase of 26 properties at Barbush, Dunblane, from developer Miller Homes that will be used for new social housing.

The new council housing will be delivered as part of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP), which aims to provide new high-quality, sustainable, affordable homes for residents across the Stirling region.

The properties at Dunblane will include a mixture of 12 one-bed cottage flats, eight two-bed cottage flats and six two-bed terraced houses.

Councillor Evelyn Tweed, housing portfolio holder, said: “Stirling Council is committed to providing new houses for those who need them, helping transform and regenerate our towns and villages for all the people who live there, and these homes will help achieve this.”

Councillor Danny Gibson, depute portfolio holder for Housing, added: “Delivering the first new council housing in Dunblane for more than 45 years will be a significant milestone in our housing investment plan and I will be excited to see the first tenants pick up their keys and take residence in these homes.”

Councillor Alasdair MacPherson, depute portfolio holder for housing, said: “Everyone has a right to a roof over their head and our Strategic Housing Investment Plan will help deliver new social homes throughout the region, ensuring there is enough housing to meet people’s needs.”