Fund available for DIY homes

People across Perth and Kinross are being encouraged to apply for new funding to help them build their own homes.

The council has already supported two applicants for the Scottish Government’s selfbuild scheme, which will allow them to construct their own purpose-built properties.

Another two self-build schemes have now been given the green light in west and east Perthshire.

Lib Dem housing and communities convener Peter Barrett said the move would help rural residents find homes which were ideal not just for them, but their communities.

He said: “Right across Scotland there is a lack of suitable housing for people, especially in rural areas and we are committed to improving that situation in Perth and Kinross. We are doing that through a number of initiatives and supporting people to build their own homes is one of them.

“Self-build can be an ideal way for people to get the type of house they want and that suits their needs and so I’m delighted that we have helped to secure this funding for these two pilot projects.

“The successful applicants can now look at suitable housing plots and how self-build can be taken forward on these sites and we will help them to do that. Self-building also has the benefit of creating close-knit diverse communities.”

The fund was launched last year after a pilot in the Highlands.