Councillors at a meeting of the Cabinet yesterday approved plans for 17 new houses at Leven Mill in Glenrothes and 22 new houses specifically designed for older people in Gauldry.

The new development in Glenrothes will be built by Miller Homes and the council will acquire 17 two and three-bedroom terraced properties. It’s hoped to welcome the first tenants into their new homes by May next year.

And in Gauldry, the council has agreed to purchase land at Main Street to build 22 new homes specifically designed for older people, together with an employee hub. Work is expected to start on site by the middle of 2024.

Fife Council’s Phase 3 Affordable Housing Programme has delivered 3,500 new affordable houses across all areas of Fife.

The council is investing a further £90 million into the next 2-year programme to build a further 500 new council houses by June 2024. By increasing the availability of good quality affordable housing, existing tenants and specific needs housing applicants who are in overcrowded or under-occupied homes can be allocated a house more appropriate for their needs.

Council leader David Ross said: “Continuing to build on our successful affordable housing programme is a top priority for the council and I’m delighted that we are approving plans for more council houses in Glenrothes and Gauldry today. Fife Council is absolutely committed to supplying warmer, drier, and healthier homes in communities in Fife where they are really needed, and the mix of house types and sizes means we can provide houses to meet the needs of many different households and improve their quality of life.”

He added: “Fife Council’s Affordable Housing programme is one of the biggest in Scotland and as well as providing more housing, the programme is also about creating jobs and apprenticeships, supporting the Fife economy and the construction industry.”