A project that could see the first council-owned properties built in Aberdeenshire in more than ten years has taken a step forward.

Aberdeenshire Council's Social Work and Housing Committee has endorsed plans to replace 17 one-bed properties in Mintlaw. The Mintlaw New Build initiative would see the demolition of the homes, built in 1976, and their replacement with modern, council-owned properties.

Members heard the existing buildings are of non-traditional construction, with thermal imaging investigations revealing unacceptable levels of heat loss and severe dampness and condensation.

A project team was set up to develop the project, and support has been gauged from the tenants concerned, some of whom would occupy the new buildings. Initial proposals show that the properties could be replaced with 12 one-bed bungalows and four three-bed family homes. Discussions are to take place regarding a possible subsidy towards the replacement of an 18th property, which is privately owned.

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The new buildings would be of high quality and would have a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, and are to be designed by the council's own architects. The proposals comply with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard Delivery Plan 2005-2015 and it is expected that the new houses will be exempt from Right to Buy legislation.

Committee chairman, Cllr Gurudeo Saluja, said: "It is a very good news story and I'm quite pleased with it. It is good that we are taking this initiative."

Peterhead North and Rattray Cllr Anne Allan, said: "I am delighted this is being done in-house because it does mean that our staff are getting to do work that they don't generally get to do. I look very much forward to the report and seeing the houses being built."

Officers will now develop the project further, with a view to bringing a detailed report before the Buchan Area Committee before coming back to the Social Work and Housing Committee."

(GK/JM)