Proposals to increase the availability of affordable homes in Girvan have been approved by South Ayrshire Council. The plans would see 12 newly-completed flats bought by the Council and made available for rent, with half the properties providing easy access for people with mobility issues.
The Council has ambitious targets to deliver 1,000 new affordable homes by 2022/23, with the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) setting out a broad-range of activity including public and private sector partnership projects.
Following an independent evaluation, a fund of £1.1 million has been agreed to buy 12 new flats in Girvan following an approach from local developer, Craig Hunter. The development, on Girvan's North Park Avenue, includes eight, two-bedroom flats, and four, one-bedroom flats. Six of the flats are on the ground floor, meeting requirements for people with mobility issues who need level access.
The acquisition would be funded by Scottish Government subsidies (£684,000), Council Tax from second homes (£416,000) and South Ayrshire Council (legal costs of £2,500), with no additional borrowing required.
Councillor Philip Saxton, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Community Wellbeing, said the development would be good for Girvan: "We're committed to increasing the number of affordable and warm homes for those on limited incomes and helping reduce poverty and disadvantage across South Ayrshire.
"This positive development will provide a real boost for the people of Girvan, delivering a number of modern, energy efficient homes. With half the properties being on the ground level, we're helping to increase the availability of flats for people who need easy access to their homes, which will make life much easier for them.
"This project plays an important role in our wider goals of creating 1,000 new affordable properties in the next five years and we'll continue to work with our partners to build on our momentum and deliver for local communities."
The full paper 'Purchase of 12 flats for affordable housing in Girvan' can be found hereExternal link.