Construction is underway to build the first rural council houses in Angus for 40 years.

Angus Council has begun work on the old brown-field site at Inveraldie as part of its affordable housing programme.

The site was originally home to timber lock-up garages, but the buildings had fallen into disrepair and so a better use for the land was devised.

Five new council houses are to be developed for rent: two three-bedroom semi-detached and three two-bedroom terraced houses. Angus Council believes the dwellings will be ready by spring 2013.

Funding of £150,000 has been secured from the Scottish Government, which will go some way to generating the total cost of £700,000.

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The Council reports that the new houses will be fitted with sprinkler systems and very high levels of insulation, increasing home safety and helping combat fuel poverty for tenants.

Angus Council has launched a programme to build 147 new council houses to help reduce the housing waiting list and realise its vision of "building quality affordable and energy efficient homes for rent in areas of highest need across Angus."

Councillor Jeanette Gaul, vice-convener of Neighbourhood Services, visited the site this week, joined by council officers and representatives from Hadden Construction.

Councillor Gaul commented: "I am particularly delighted to see work progressing on this development as it shows the council's commitment to delivering new affordable housing in the more rural parts of Angus, as well as in the towns. These new council houses will increase the options for families wanting to live in our countryside and it is an important step in helping to maintain the fabric of our village communities."

(IT)