Scottish Minister for Housing and Welfare, Margaret Burgess, has officially opened the St Beya Gardens' development in Millport, North Ayrshire.

The development features 11 amenity standard bungalows and one bungalow designed for wheelchair users.

The homes at St Beya Gardens have achieved the Scottish Building Standards 'Silver Active' Award for sustainability. This label is given to new housing projects which incorporate specific levels of sustainable and energy efficient features.

The new development includes:

• Air Source Heat Pump Heating Systems to provide under floor heating and hot water
• High levels of thermal insulation and triple glazed windows to maintain heat and reduce noise
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• Portable energy resource monitors to allow tenants to keep track of their electricity consumption
• Design features to make life easier for older people - level access throughout development, accessible sockets and switches, low cost heating and mobility scooter charging points.

The Council received Scottish Government funding for the development as part of their Innovation and Investment funding.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: "St Beya Gardens will provide much needed high quality energy efficient accommodation for older people in North Ayrshire. The homes will allow them to remain within their local community while living in homes that meet their needs.

"Rising energy bills are a huge concern for this government and fuel poverty is an absolute scandal in an energy rich country like Scotland. As 'green homes' the bungalows will provide sustainable accommodation for residents.

"Despite Westminster's cuts to our capital budget the Scottish Government is doing everything possible to stimulate growth, maximise our investment in housing and deliver on our target of 30,000 new, affordable homes over the lifetime of this Parliament."

(JP/IT)