The houses are the final phase of a development that has seen the inclusion of 41 new council homes in total.

The latest properties to be handed over are a mix of two and three-bedroom semi-detached mid-terrace homes. Previously, a mix of semi-detached, terraced homes and flats were handed over to Perth & Kinross Council at the development, providing high-quality accommodation for a wide range of tenants.

The homes at Hayfield Brae have been built to the highest standard by the council’s construction partner GS Brown and include energy efficiency measures such as air source heat pumps, solar panels, quality insulation and high levels of air tightness to make sure tenants’ bills are kept as low as possible and the development’s carbon footprint is minimised.   

Safety features such as sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and electrical surge protection devices have also been included as standard. 

The five homes cost almost £1.1 million to build. The council invested £440,000, with the Scottish Government contributing the rest. 

The houses were visited by the Perth and Kinross Council’s Housing and Social Wellbeing convener, Councillor Tom McEwan, who said: “This development has been underway for a few years now and it is fantastic to see it completed. This significant number of new council homes will help to address the housing needs of different types of tenants in a rural location where there is high demand for accommodation.

“I’m particularly pleased to see the high level of energy efficiency that has been built into the homes, with air source heat pumps fitted instead of traditional boilers. As a council and as a Housing Service, we are committed to minimising the environmental impact of everything we do. The efficient heating systems, top-grade insulation and solar panels included in the homes will help tenants reduce their energy use.

“As well as providing high-quality, energy-efficient homes, this new development will add vibrancy to life in the village of Methven, supporting the local community and economy.”

The Methven project is part of Perth & Kinross Council’s ongoing multi-million-pound new build housing programme, which has seen over 500 new council homes built for tenants since 2012.

The council’s house building programme has delivered new homes for affordable social rent in towns and settlements right across the region, including Methven, Scone, Abernethy, Alyth, Inchture, Stanley, Blairgowrie, Meigle, Auchterarder, Balbeggie, Rattray and in many sites in Perth.