Argyll and Bute Council has revealed plans to build more than 760 new 'affordable' homes in the next five years.

The housing will be delivered as part of the council's Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP).

Up to £50 million has been approved by the Government to support the programme in its first three years, while the council will contribute almost £9m from its Strategic Housing Fund and a further £1.9m a year over the next four years.

The 760 new homes are being built in addition to the 154 'affordable' homes already being provided this year as part of the SHIP process.

-- Advertisement --

Cllr Robin Currie said: "Access to good-quality, affordable housing is a major priority for us.

"We aim to deliver on this ambitious development programme with our partners to ensure a positive future for our communities.

"Not only will this proposed plan provide new homes for residents who need it, we hope it will bring a host of other benefits for Argyll and Bute.

"These include generating investment, boosting the local economy, creating additional jobs including new apprenticeships, stimulating community regeneration, and attracting and retaining residents and employees for local businesses.

"Having a quality, affordable home to live in also benefits the general health and wellbeing of our residents.

"Our target as set out in the SHIP is 550 but we are confident we can expand on that, which is why we are aiming for more."

(LM/MH)