The 12 new homes for affordable rent have been built to the highest standard. All windows and doors are double-glazed with an energy rating of A+ and they are well insulated to keep tenants warm and reduce heating bills. The homes are also fitted with solar panels to help drive down the energy bills of our tenants, as well as the latest smoke detection and sprinkler systems for fire prevention.

The new development, build by the council’s construction partner Hadden Group, consists of six three-bedroom semi-detached two-storey family homes, two two-bedroom semi-detached two-storey family homes and four one-bedroom cottage flats.

The build had to be paused early last year when the first Covid-19 lockdown was announced, but work restarted at the end of June 2020 when restrictions eased. Strict Covid safety measures were put in place for staff on-site so the build could be completed.

Clare Mailer, the council’s depute director of communities, said: “Affordable social housing is at a premium in rural communities like Meigle so it’s fantastic to see the completion of this quality accommodation built by the council. It’s a tribute to everyone involved that we have managed to deliver this new development despite the ongoing pandemic. The properties will bring added vibrancy to the village and enhance the lives of all the tenants who live in the new homes.

“It especially pleasing to see how energy efficient these houses are. The tenants who live here will really notice the difference to their bills and the use of solar panels will also reduce the environmental impact of the homes.

“Building more quality affordable housing is a key priority Perth & Kinross Council. Our multi-million-pound building programme, combined with our work supporting new builds through housing associations, has already seen 1,386 new homes delivered right across Perth and Kinross since 2012. This figure includes over 200 new council homes. All of these new properties have been built to the very highest standards in areas where there is an acute shortage of affordable housing for local people.”

The development was funded in partnership by Perth & Kinross Council and the Scottish Government, as part of the council’s commitment to increase the supply of high-quality social housing in the area.

The council’s affordable house building programme has delivered new council homes in the towns and settlements right across the region, including Methven, Scone, Alyth, Inchture, Stanley. Blairgowrie, Auchterarder, Balbeggie, Rattray and in many sites in Perth. More new builds are in the pipeline.

Steven Brady, managing director, Hadden Group, added: “We are delighted to see completion of another successful project with Perth & Kinross Council in our programme to bring affordable living to the people of Perthshire. The challenges that the pandemic presented our delivery team are behind us and we take great satisfaction in seeing these houses ready for new families to enjoy and become part of this community.

“These homes have been designed in partnership with the council to ensure we provided a sustainable environment for the tenants and community of Meigle. The energy efficiency standards of our homes are matched by the idyllic setting and external space that will offer a great quality of living for local people.”