The completion of a housing development in Thornton has signalled the halfway stage in Fife Council’s Affordable Housing Programme.

The milestone means that 1,350 of the planned 2,700 new affordable homes are now built and occupied.

Cllr Judy Hamilton, executive spokesperson for housing & building services, visited the new development at Orebank Terrace with council leader David Ross to celebrate the achievement.

Council leader David Ross said: “It’s great to be here today to mark the half way point in the programme and see people settling into new, good quality, rented accommodation that fits their needs. We’ll see the remainder of the Programme really speed up now with the other developments under construction progressing well.

“Fife Council is investing over £150 million in this Programme and, despite significant financial challenges, it’s vital that we continue to invest in more desperately needed, good quality affordable housing. Not only are these new homes transforming the lives of the tenants who move into them, it’s freeing up their old homes for rent to others in housing need too.”

Cllr Hamilton added: “The first few years of the Programme were all about identifying opportunities, consulting with communities, developing plans and gaining planning permission. By its very nature, as we enter the final year, things are really picking up pace.

“As well as half of the homes now being occupied, the Programme also has 23 other housing developments under construction across Fife. Each development is an important contribution towards us reaching the commitment of 2,700 new affordable homes for Fife by 2017.”

The 31 new homes for rent at Orebank Terrace are a mix of bungalows, cottage flats and two storey houses, ranging from one bedroom to five and include wheelchair and amenity housing.

Maria McKenzie, who recently moved into her new home in Orebank Terrace, said: “Since moving in I feel very settled. The house is more fuel efficient and being on two levels instead of three is so much easier to manage.

“The street is very attractive and it’s a pleasant place to live with great neighbours and beautiful surroundings. I was worried about moving from a 4 bed into a 2 bed, particularly for storage, but I am pleasantly surprised.”

The development in Thornton, which was supported by £155,000 of Scottish Government grant funding, was built in house by the council beyond industry standard with sprinkler systems and have good insulation which can help to tackle fuel poverty.

Cllr Hamilton added: “As well as the obvious end benefits, developments like this across Fife are able to offer fantastic opportunities for apprentices to gain really valuable experience. It also means more local contractors and suppliers are trading with us which helps to boost the local economy too.”