Perth & Kinross Council’s multi-million pound programme of social housing construction has taken another step forward after the completion of a major new development in Auchterarder.

A total of 12 new units have been completed at Raven Grove, Kirkton, comprising of four 3-bedroomed houses, four 2-bed flats and four 1-bed flats. The council invested almost £1.5 million in the new build.

The development has been completed six months ahead of schedule, providing much needed accommodation earlier than expected for the new tenants and also generating additional rent income for the council of around £21,000.

The project is part of Perth & Kinross Council’s ongoing council house building programme to provide more high-quality affordable social housing. Around 240 new affordable homes have been delivered in the last three years, with properties constructed in Methven, Scone, Alyth, Inchture, Blairgowrie, and Perth. A further 116 units are already under construction across Perth and Kinross including 10 units near to the Raven Grove development at Castlemains, which due for completion later this financial year.

All the council’s new homes are built with the latest energy saving specifications, to help cut the bills of tenants and reduce the carbon footprint of the Perth and Kinross area.

Housing & health convener, councillor Dave Doogan, was one of the visitors to the Raven Grove build yesterday.

He said: “It’s great news that this new development has been delivered six months ahead of schedule to provide valued accommodation for the people of Perth and Kinross. There is a shortage of affordable social housing in this area so this new build, and the speed with which it has been delivered, is very welcome indeed.

“These new properties have been built to the highest standard and will transform the lives of the people who have recently moved in. The council is able to build these properties thanks in part to the revenue that comes from rent that is paid by our existing tenants. By paying rent not only are our tenants paying for their own homes, they are helping other people in housing need and improving their lives. That’s what social housing is all about.

“Making more affordable homes available is crucial in order to meet the acute need for social housing in Perth and Kinross. As a Council we are committed to delivering our key housing priorities of providing high quality homes in safe and secure neighbourhoods.”

Council leader, councillor Ian Miller, added: “We are determined to do all we can as a Council to give local people access to a range of affordable accommodation. The construction of new affordable council housing for rent is a priority for this council and this latest new build in Auchterarder addresses critical housing need in the area.

“I am very happy that we have seen the completion of this development on budget and six months ahead of schedule. We will continue to work hard to bring more affordable housing on stream for local people.”

@PerthandKinross

www.pkc.gov.uk