Plans to invest more than £150million to continue the development of affordable housing across Aberdeenshire during the next five years have been agreed by the council.
The Strategic Housing Investment Plan, (SHIP), has outlined a range of opportunities across the area from 2019-2024.
Having been agreed by Aberdeenshire Council’s Communities Committee, the document has now been passed to the Scottish Government which will provide funding for the projects.
In the next five years, 2,354 homes could potentially be built across Aberdeenshire, with around 590 suitable for households with particular needs, and 73 fully accessible for wheelchair users.
The majority of homes are proposed for social rent, with 126 for mid-market rent and 279 for low-cost shared equity purchase.
The first phase of the plan, covering 2019 and 2020, is expected to use more than £112million to construct 751 homes in the region.
Communities committee chairwoman Councillor Anne Stirling said: “The delivery of affordable housing in Aberdeenshire has been a priority for us for a number of years, and our new SHIP will allow us to continue the work to meet demand.
“We look forward to our continued work with the Scottish Government and industry partners to increase the availability of affordable accommodation as part of this ambitious plan.”
The new homes are expected to create 291 homes in Banff and Buchan, 363 in Buchan, 479 in Formartine, 446 in Garioch, 508 in Kincardine and Mearns and 267 in Marr.
Committee vice-chair Councillor Iris Walker added: “While the main benefit of SHIP is to increase access to housing, it will also support the local construction and development industry and the sustainability of our communities over the coming years.
“By increasing availability, we can make it easier for people to work, live and stay in Aberdeenshire.”
The final version of the strategy will be uploaded to the council website soon, and more information can be seen in Item 10 of the November meeting of Communities Committee via their website.
