A new housing development by Angus Council has received the Government’s seal of approval.

Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, visited the Kinloch development in Carnoustie on Wednesday 25 January.

The development marks the first council housing to be built in Angus for 15 years.

Mr Neil was welcomed to Angus by Provost Ruth Leslie Melville, Councillor Jim Millar, convener of Neighbourhood Services, and tenants’ representatives.

During his visit Mr Neil was shown round the development, and received a tour of one of the completed houses.

The houses incorporate high levels of insulation, solar water heating, and air source heat pumps; all designed to deliver lower fuel bills for tenants and help combat fuel poverty.

The ten houses for rent are part of a larger development of the former Kinloch School site, which also includes 28 supported housing cottages and a care centre, on schedule for completion this year.

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They form part of Angus Council’s ambitious building programme to provide 147 new council houses, to help reduce the housing waiting list.

Funding of £250,000 from the Scottish Government has enabled the council to realise its vision of building quality affordable and energy efficient homes for rent in this area, which has some of the highest need in Angus.

Councillor Millar commented: "I am delighted that the Cabinet Secretary has chosen to visit Angus and see first-hand the work being done by the authority to support local people in realising their housing aspirations.

"As well as providing high-quality affordable housing for local people, our building programme is providing an important boost to the construction industry, and the local economy.

"These, and future developments, will make a real difference to the lives of families and individuals in Angus by increasing the number of affordable properties available for rent."

Mr Neil said: "Angus Council, like many local authorities across Scotland, is working hard to arrest years of decline in council house building. It is to be congratulated for its ambitious programme that will deliver 147 council houses across the region.

"This will not only provide new affordable homes for families in Angus, but will stimulate growth and support jobs in the construction sector and wider economy.

"Throughout Scotland, 2,244 council houses were started in the two years to September 2011 compared with 1,378 in the previous 13 years. Nationwide, we have now allocated almost £115 million to local authorities, which will help deliver over 4,400 new council homes."

(GK)