Fife Council is nearing the end of the latest development in its Affordable Housing Programme which will deliver a total of 2,700 new affordable homes by 2017.

The 29 new properties, made up of 22 two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom homes, will be the first new council homes in St Andrews for 17 years.

Cllr Judy Hamilton, the council’s executive spokesperson for housing & building services, visited the development at Freeborn Court, off Abbey Walk, to mark the latest milestone in the Programme’s progress.

She said: “This is shaping up to be a lovely development that will help to tackle the very high demand and low turnover of council housing in the St Andrews area. It’s great to see the modern, energy efficient flats welcome their first phase of tenants to what I like to call ‘warmer, drier, healthier homes’.

“We can’t underestimate the hugely positive impact a fit for purpose new home can have on a family and their wellbeing. That’s why I am so proud to report that this new development means we have now delivered almost 1,300 of the 2,700 new homes we’re committed to build in Fife by May next year, despite the council’s financial challenges.”

Tenant Frances Arnauld, who moved into a ground floor flat so she could live on the one level added: “It is such a lovely place to live and well built. The flats are very spacious and it will be even better in the summer with the surrounding gardens.”

Wherever possible, new properties are allocated to existing tenants so, in turn, the vacated homes to other families on the housing list too. This means that many more than 29 families will benefit from these new homes and is especially significant in this area of Fife due to the high demand.

The flats have been built by Robertson Partnership Homes and the final phase of homes will be handed over to Fife Council in March.

Stewart Shearer, managing director of Robertson Partnership Homes, said: “We are delighted that tenants are now benefiting from their new homes at Freeborn Court, following the handover of the first phase of council housing in St Andrews in nearly two decades.

“We are committed to providing affordable housing across Scotland, with Freeborn Court one of three projects being delivered in partnership with Fife Council. Combined, these developments in St Andrews, Methil and Kirkcaldy will deliver almost 300 affordable, quality homes for the people of Fife.”

The £3.2m Abbey Walk development also received £29,000 of Scottish Government funding.