The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Affordable homes plan for Ballingry
Springfield Properties have lodged plans for 140 new houses
New housing could be built in Ballingry for the first time in nearly a decade, breathing new life into the former mining area.
Housebuilders Springfield Properties have submitted plans to Fife Council for 140 new affordable homes.
The two-bedroom cottage flats, and two- and three-bedroom homes have been designed with innovative heating systems to reduce running costs for residents.
Bungalows will also feature heavily to address the need for homes for the elderly and those who have low mobility.
Managing director of affordable housing at Springfield Properties Tom Leggeat said: “The last housing built in Ballingry was back in 2009, and it has been even longer since anything of this scale has been proposed in the town.
“This development is a great opportunity to bring new families into the area and strengthen the community.”
He said the firm had had a great response during community consultation towards the end of last year.
“The two-bedroom bungalows designed to suit elderly residents were a particularly popular talking point.
“There are many residents in Ballingry that would like to downsize.
“However, they do not wish to leave the town to do so.
“These bungalows look on to a communal courtyard and create a safe social environment.”
The award-winning housebuilders have been working with councils and housing associations over the last 13 years to deliver affordable housing across Scotland.
Since the Scottish Government pledged to increase the supply of affordable housing by 67% by 2021 as part of a £3 billion investment, Springfield Properties has focused heavily on affordable housing to help reach the target.
Mr Leggeat added: “As a house building company, it is part of our job to ensure we build homes for everyone.
“This covers private housing, mid market rent, low-cost home ownership and all other types of affordable homes.
“The 140 homes in Fife is just one of 10 affordable projects we expect to be submitting for planning before the end of the year.”
A decision on the development is expected in late autumn.
The last housing built in Ballingry was back in 2009, and it has been even longer since anything of this scale has been proposed in the town