The showhouse from the first council housing development to be built in Angus for 15 years is now opened to the public to view.

The house at 1 Burgh School Close, Links Avenue, Carnoustie, is one of 12 council houses which have just been completed.

The house has been released early and furnished as a showhome to allow tenants and members of the public to view the quality of design which the council is delivering in its new-build council house programme.

Ten of the houses, in Carnoustie, 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 to be completed next year. The other two council houses are in Monifieth on the site of the old police station.

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These are all 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.

Council Neighbourhood Services Convenor Jim Millar commented: "As well as supporting local people in realising their housing aspirations, our building programme is also 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."

He added: "The houses are very energy efficient with a rating of A+, and use solar panels to pre-heat the hot water in the tanks. The houses are heated by air source heat pumps which only use one-third of the energy compared to a normal electric heating system. The outside larch wood finishing is designed to weather to a grey colour in a few years and won’t need treating, and is naturally resistant to decay."

The opening event was attended by representatives of Brown Construction, the contractor who built the houses, and tenant representatives who have played a key role in supporting the new build programme.

(GK)