Aberdeenshire Council has completed a pilot project to carry out major improvements to two older council properties (dating to 1945) in West Rd, Fraserburgh to bring them to the same standard as new build homes at half the cost.

Chairman of Aberdeenshire’s Social Work and Housing Committee Councillor Gurudeo Saluja said: “The service continues to provide and maintain high quality homes and this innovative project is delivering new properties in a more efficient way, I look forward to seeing the final product and the next phase.”

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Chairman of the Banff and Buchan Area Committee Councillor Sydney Mair said: “This project has brought benefits not only to tenants, but also financially.

“The council has extended the life of homes that might have been demolished otherwise and this is better all round for the local area too.”

The homes were originally built in 1945 with slate roofs and timber clad and framed walls and the council has invested around £135,000 in the pilot project to take homes in to the same standards and life expectancy as new build homes.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Social Work and Housing Service discovered structural defects in the properties and investigated options to either demolish or renovate the buildings.

Following feasibility studies and detailed investigations in conjunction with the council’s property service the authority opted to design and cost a major renovation and improvement scheme.

The council will now consult with tenants in the remaining 21 properties before rolling out the improvement scheme which it aims to complete this financial year.

(GK/KMcA)