Perthshire Housing Association (PHA) has joined forces with Atholl Estates to deliver 10 much needed affordable houses in one of Scotland's most expensive villages.

The houses will be built in historic Birnam, where housing need is acute. The £1.5m development, at Stell Park Road, is the result of an innovative partnership between PHA, landowner Atholl Estates, George Martin Builders, and funders the Scottish Government and Perth & Kinross Council.

House prices in Birnam are amongst the highest in Perthshire. Mike Cheesewright, a PHA Board member, commented at yesterday's turf cutting ceremony, said: "we have received many inquiries from local people about these houses since we first started looking at this site, and it is clear that there is a huge need for affordable housing in Birnam.

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"This is another example of the success of our on-going partnership with Atholl Estates, and we are particularly grateful to our funders, the Scottish Government and Perth & Kinross Council, for their assistance in allowing this important development to proceed."

Jamie Troughton, of Atholl Estates, said: "PHA have shown great tenacity in making this project happen, and we look forward to continue to work with them on our housing programme."

The development will comprise six 2 and 3-bedroom rented units, including two elderly/amenity bungalows, and four 2 and 3-bedroom shared ownership units. Shared ownership, which PHA pioneered in Perthshire, allows purchasers to buy an initial share of between 25-75% of the house values. A 25% share starts at £33,750 for a 2-bedroom house.

The development will increase PHA's housing stock in Birnam, where its Bruce Gardens development has received many commendations on its high standard of design. In addition to constructing the PHA houses, George Martin Builders are developing 7 private houses for sale.

The houses are due to be completed in September 2009.

(GK)