£25 million revamp for ‘dire’ housing.

Together with work under way at East Muirlands, the project will result in more and better homes in Arbroath

An ambitious £25 million-plus regeneration plan to replace “dire” housing in the Timmergreens area of Arbroath is to get under way after the “good news” scheme received the green light from councillors.

The five-year west Arbroath regeneration will see 140 houses bulldozed and replaced with around 130 new homes. But with a major private sector project already under way at nearby East Muirlands, council chiefs say a net increase of around 60 new affordable homes will result.

Scottish Government funding of £7.5m will be pumped into the proposal, described by town councillor David Fairweather as long overdue for the “dire” properties.

The proposals have already received overwhelming support from residents in the area and council chiefs are working on a community-based letting plan to match the needs and preferences of tenants to the new supply.

Communities committee councillors unanimously approved the plan after considering a report by head of housing Stewart Ball which confirmed five excouncil properties sold under right to buy legislation would have to be bought back by the authority.

At this time, no particular length of tenancy will be a cut-off point, as this will be determined when all applicants havemade their choices known

“It is proposed that these properties should be repurchased at an agreed value through discussion and negotiation and only in the event that this was not possible would compulsory purchase orders be sought,” said Mr Ball.

The officer said the council will take into account the circumstances of existing tenancies, including rentpayment and anti-social behaviour for the rehousing programme, as well as criteria including overcrowding and medical conditions. Wherever possible, community sustainability will be maintained by helping existing tenants to remain in the area.

“At this time, no particular length of tenancy will be a cut-off point, as this will be determined when all applicants have made their choices known,” added the report.

“To support the delivery of the full programme it is proposed a Timmergreens Regeneration Partnership is established, with representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors, including tenants and residents from the development area.”

Officials say the Arbroath plan will contribute towards the council’s new supply target of 350 units over the next five years.

Picture: Kim Cessford. The proposals have already received overwhelming support from residents.