DOUBLE BOOST FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN MORAY

Langstane Housing Association, with support from Communities Scotland, has completed work on 66 affordable energy-efficient homes in Moray.

The properties are split between two sites at Fochabers and Forres and offer a range of houses and flats to meet various needs. Construction began in 2004 on the two developments, which have seen a total investment of over £5m. The first tenants are now beginning to move into the properties which are available for social rent.

The land on which the Fochabers project is built was bought as part of an innovative bulk procurement initiative that helps housing associations to buy sites that are unattractive or uneconomic to develop on their own. At Forres a play area for children has also been built alongside 28 affordable family homes for social rent.

Communities Scotland area director, Gordon Smith, said: "The completion represents another affordable housing milestone. The two projects are the culmination of years of hard work by Communities Scotland, Langstane and developers, Robertson Construction and Springfield Properties."

Langstane chairman, Paul Hannan MBE, said: "We are aware that levels of housing need in the Moray area are as significant as those in the urban areas. We carried out our first development in Moray almost 20 years ago, and we now manage over 200 homes from our Elgin office. We value our partnership with Moray Council and with Communities Scotland in contributing to meeting the housing needs."

Cllr Percy Watt said: "As a council we are pleased to be associated with Langstane and Communities Scotland in completing the project. It is a worthwhile and important development that brings additional and much-needed affordable housing in Forres."

Extract taken from the SFHA Scottish Daily Housing News 16th November 2005.