More than 760 affordable new homes built in the next five years is the bold plan of Argyll and Bute Council.

Proposals are being put to the Scottish Government to deliver the much-needed new properties.

They are part of the Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP).

These homes are in addition to the 154 affordable homes already being provided this year (2017/18) as part of the SHIP process.

We will now be working with the Government and local housing associations to deliver the homes.

Investment of £50 million has been approved by the Government to support the programme in its first three years.

The Council is contributing almost £9 million from our Strategic Housing Fund and a further £1.9 million a year over the next four years.

Policy Lead for Housing, Councillor Robin Currie, said: “Access to good-quality, affordable housing is a major priority for us.

“We aim to deliver on this ambitious development programme with our partners to ensure a positive future for our communities.

“Not only will this proposed plan provide new homes for residents who need it, we hope it will bring a host of other benefits for Argyll and Bute.

“These include generating investment, boosting the local economy, creating additional jobs including new apprenticeships, stimulating community regeneration, and attracting and retaining residents and employees for local businesses.

“Having a quality, affordable home to live in also benefits the general health and wellbeing of our residents.

“Our target as set out in the SHIP is 550 but we are confident we can expand on that, which is why we are aiming for more.”

The Strategic Housing Investment Plan is the Council’s key statement of housing development priorities in Argyll and Bute. It can be viewed on our website at  https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/abc_ship_2018.19-22.23.pdf It is updated every year.