Print Version
Read Out Loud
More details announced of Fife's next batch of new Council houses
Archived news: published on Thursday 14 Jan 2010 by Fife Council
_1.jpg)
Councillor Brian Goodall
More details have been announced of Fife’s 57 new Council houses which will be built at Ladybank and Rosyth, subject to planning approval.
For the first time and in both locations they include specialist designed houses for wheelchair users.
Just before Christmas, Fife Council heard it is to receive £25,000 per property from the Scottish Government to help to build the properties, work on which is anticipated will start no later than December this year.
Housing and Communities Committee Chair Councillor Brian Goodall said: “This is fantastic news and it’s not just about these 57 new homes. It’s also about the other homes that can be made available when families move from existing council homes, which may be unsuitable for them but perfect for someone else.“
"We’ve already been able to make this happen with the new council houses in Dunfermline, there the 41 new homes have already led to over 80 new housing allocations. If that’s not good value then I don’t know what is.
“The Scottish Government’s financial support for these homes is also extremely welcome and means we’ll be able to build even more new council houses in other parts of Fife over the next few years, “ added Councillor Goodall.
Head of Housing and Neighbourhood Services, Derek Muir explained the Castle Road Rosyth development is planned for 35 new homes including four houses suitable for wheelchair use.
Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil welcomed news that more council houses are to be built in Fife. He said:” I am delighted that Fife is investing in council houses that offer quality, affordable homes for people in the region.
"The Scottish Government is ploughing millions of pounds into help for local authorities, like Fife, to reverse the decades of decline in council house building.
“Building more council houses provides people and their families with access to good quality homes that they can afford.
Through Kingdom Housing Association, the Fife Housing Association Alliance has already completed an initial phase for the Fife Housing Association to provide 34 properties at the Rosyth development.
Fife Council is using Kingdom’s expertise as lead developer for the Fife Alliance by employing them to project manage the two council new build projects. A planning application was submitted in November 2009 for this site.
At Monks Moss, Ladybank there will be 22 units. The current mix for 18 houses includes two suitable for wheelchairs, and four amenity cottage flats. An outline planning application is currently being prepared for this site. A design competition is being held to prepare plans and designs for the site.
Bill Banks, Depute Chief Executive with Kingdom, said ’at a time when the need for social rented housing continues to increase, the additional projects are a welcomed addition to the affordable housing investment programme in Fife, and they will make a significant contribution to the housing needs in the areas.
“We are delighted to be working with Fife Council, as Project Managers for these projects, which will provide high quality new homes, and compliment the Fife Alliance programme, that we are continuing to develop throughout Fife.”
Committee Vice-Chair Councillor Donald Macgregor said: “I’m delighted to see more detail about the Ladybank development which is in an area where council housing is really needed due to rising house prices. When it is built it will be much appreciated and fulfil a vital local need.”
Derek Muir added there will be more discussion with local councillors before finally confirming the precise mix of properties on each site to ensure local needs including those for potentially more four bedroomed homes are met.
For more information contact
Ali Morris, Development OfficerTel: 08451 55 55 55 + Ext 44 45 23 Contact Ali Morris online
By Post: Fife Council, Rothesay House, Rothesay Place, Glenrothes, KY7 5PQ
Cllr. Brian Goodall, Strategic Chair: Housing & Communities Committee
Tel: 01383 873054 Fax: 01592 583107 Contact Brian Goodall online
By Post: Fife Council,
