Fife Council is set to purchase 49 homes from Bellway Homes in Cowdenbeath for social rent.

Work on the new Birchwood development in Leuchatsbeath is now underway.

The move is the latest development in the council’s commitment to deliver 2700 new affordable homes by 2017.

Cllr Judy Hamilton, executive spokesperson for housing & building services, and ward councillor Gary Guichan met with Bellway Homes on site to mark the occasion.

Cllr Hamilton said: “I’m very pleased to be here today to celebrate securing another development that will bring much needed affordable homes for rent to the area.

“This is a significant project as it brings the wider programme’s progress to over the half way mark. We now have over 1,400 homes either completed or under construction. This is a massive achievement for a programme that is already changing the lives of those who have benefited from a new home.”

Cllrs Judy Hamilton and Gary Guichan will staff from Fife Council and Bellway Homes at Leuchatsbeath

The agreement will deliver a mix of one, two, three, four and five bedroom general needs and specific needs properties. These will be made up of 1-bed cottage flats, three & four-bed amenity and wheelchair bungalows and two, three, four and five-bed houses.

Cllr Hamilton added: “With initial construction already underway, the first phase of these homes could be ready for tenants to move in to as soon as this June.

There are currently over 800 applicants on the Fife Housing Register for Cowdenbeath.

Andy Wyles, managing director, Scotland, Bellway said: “We are delighted to play a significant role in bringing much needed new homes to Cowdenbeath and delivering the council’s vision.

“Seven years ago we recognised the potential of Cowdenbeath and its need for investment. We are pleased to see such a vibrant community come to life, creating economic opportunity for the town.”

The Leuchatsbeath site joins six other council house developments which are currently being built. These are at North Fod in Dunfermline, Abbey Park in St Andrews, Windmill Road in Cellardyke, Orebank Terrace in Thornton, County Buildings in Cupar, and a second phase of homes in Ostlers Way in Kirkcaldy.