New figures have revealed more than 1,200 new homes were built in Fife between 2016 and 2017.

The Fife Housing Survey states 1,285 new builds were completed over the year, representing a 43% increase compared to 2015/16.

A total of 70% of the new build completions were houses, with 30% being flats. 48% of accommodation is split between the council and Housing Associations, with 52% of new builds developed in the private sector.

Land use was also fairly even, with 51% of new homes built on greenfield land and 49% on brownfield land.

The biggest increase was experienced in the Central Fife area with with 270 more homes built here than in the previous year, and a total of 465 completions. The Dunfermline and West Fife area recorded a total of 573 completions.

-- Advertisement --

The report signals the first year since the 2008 recession that over 1,200 new build homes have been completed in the region. Earlier this year, the council approved plans to build a further 2,800 new affordable homes in Fife over the next five years, with further plans to boost this number to 3,500.

Robin Presswood, the council's Head of Economy, Planning and Employability Services, said: "I am greatly encouraged by the performance of the house building industry this year. Although the production of new homes is some way away from pre-recession levels, the corner has been turned and we are working hard to nurture and sustain this growth.

"Immediately developable land is available for around 4 years' building at the current rates. Fife Council is committed to accelerating the production of new homes to bolster the economy and to bring land in the Local Development Plan forward for development to further increase housing production."

John Mills, the Council's Head of Housing Services, said: "Fife has a very effective and productive Affordable Housing Programme. The Council and the Fife Housing Association Alliance have delivered 2,700 new homes for rent since 2012, offering a range of quality new housing to help meet the needs of local people."

(LM/MH)