Published: Friday, 29th January, 2010 12:00pm

Funding found to deliver Peebles affordable homes

PEEBLES is to get its first new affordable housing in over a decade.

The development off 33 new family houses at Kingsmeadows will be the first such housing to have been built in the town for over 10 years.

In December the problem was highlighted when one housing association flat for rent attracted over 70 applicants.

All of the new houses are intended to be available for rent.

The Kinsgmeadows project was given the green light after Scottish Borders Council agreed to fill a £40,000 funding gap encountered by the contractors Eildon Housing Association (EHA).

EHA acquired the site after Scottish Ministers agreed to accelerate funding for more affordable housing projects within the Borders region, but due to changes in the Scottish Government's project assessment, the cash shortage was identified.

It is hoped that the new homes could be ready for occupation by as early as 2011 and will provide 15 three person houses and 18 four person houses.

Local Councillor Catriona Bhatia told the Peeblesshire News: "This is great news for Peebles. There is currently a real shortage of affordable housing in Peebles.

"These new units will mean families living in unsuitable accommodation can be moved into Kingsmeadows, which will free up their present accommodation for other people in need of affordable housing. These new homes will provided a much needed boost to the local economy."