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

The development consists of six new 2-bedroom homes and four 3-bedroom houses, providing much-needed affordable social housing for local people.

The properties have been built by Muir Homes and were handed over to Perth & Kinross Council four weeks ahead of schedule. The Council has invested £1.24m in the development, underlining its commitment to increase the supply of high-quality social housing in the area.

The project is part of a wider house-building programme to provide more high-quality affordable social housing. Around 150 new homes have been delivered in the last three years through the programme, with properties constructed in Methven, Scone, Alyth, Inchture, Blairgowrie, and Perth. Many more are in the pipeline.

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.

Cllr Dave Doogan, the council’s housing and health convener, visited the Castlemains build today. He said: “It is fantastic news that this new development in Auchterarder has been delivered ahead of schedule, allowing new tenants to move in. The development will make a real difference to the lives of the people who live here. All of these new properties have been built to the highest standard in an area where there is a shortage of affordable housing for local families.

“The Council is able to build these properties thanks in part to the revenue that comes from rent that is paid by existing Council tenants. By paying their rent in full and on time, not only are our tenants paying for their own homes, they are helping other people in housing need by giving us the means to increase our housing stock and provide homes for others. That’s what living in social housing is all about.

“We are never complacent though. Making even more affordable homes available is crucial to meet the acute need for social housing in Perth and Kinross. We will continue to work hard alongside our local social housing partners to bring more affordable housing on stream for people.”