Aberdeenshire Council have announced that applications are now being accepted for a new social housing project in Portsoy.

Work is progressing on the new Sanctuary Homes project at Park Crescent that will provide 44 homes for social rent.

The project will see a range of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties completed this summer. The site was previously home to the town's former Campbell Hospital.

The development is a mix of detached and semi-detached terraced properties and flats, each with parking space available.

The properties will be allocated by Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association through the HomeHunt portal, with a percentage of applicants being nominated by Aberdeenshire Council.

Cllr Anne Stirling, chair of Aberdeenshire Council's Communities Committee, said: "I'm very pleased to see this development progressing at Portsoy. It supports our ongoing commitment to increasing the availability of housing in communities across Aberdeenshire and I hope there will be a lot of interest.


"These new homes are being built to a high standard, with the range of property types offering great flexibility for applicants."

Banff & Buchan Area Committee chair Cllr Andy Kille also said: "This is an exciting opportunity for housing applicants to be allocated a new build, energy-efficient home in the lovely village of Portsoy.

"We see the homes as being ideal both for those already living in the area looking to move to a modern, affordable development, as well as those looking to move to Portsoy from further afield."

The £6.1 million project has been supported by a £3.9 million Scottish Government grant. An open day is being planned so potential tenants can see the homes first-hand.

Pat Cahill, the director of Sanctuary Scotland, said: "These properties will complement the 18 homes we already manage in Portsoy and bring an affordable housing boost to the town.

"We encourage everyone interested in one of these homes to register with HomeHunt and Apply4Homes as soon as possible."

The first tenants are expected to move into the development in the spring.

All the homes will be managed directly by Sanctuary Scotland, which also plans to improve the play park on Portsoy's Murray Place as a community benefit.

(MH/CM)