Media Release: Housing Minister celebrates success of Portlethen affordable housing project

TODAY, Minister for Housing & Communities, Alex Neil MSP, joined Aberdeenshire Housing Partnership (AHP) and Stewart Milne Homes to celebrate the early completion of the latest phase of affordable homes in Portlethen.

Says a spokesperson: ‘The new Leathan Fields development is one of those boosted by the Scottish Government’s acceleration of funding in the sector; an initiative designed to help kick-start the construction industry whilst bringing forward new affordable housing supply in areas of demand.”

Housing and Communities Minister, Alex Neil, said: “Decent housing is a basic human right and fundamental for everyone’s health and well being. The Scottish Government is playing its part.

“Housing has been a cornerstone of our Economic Recovery Plan, speeding up long-term investment, kick-starting council house building, support for home owners and new forms of shared equity.

“This Portlethen development is a great example of Scotland’s long tradition of financial ingenuity and bricks and mortar innovation. Aberdeenshire Housing Partnership, Stewart Milne Homes and Aberdeenshire Council are to be congratulated for building more homes which better serve people’s needs and deliver a better future for us all.”

Mike Scott, chair of AHP, welcomed Mr Neil to the new development which was completed by Stewart Milne Homes.

Mr Scott said that AHP was delighted to be able to provide the new housing in partnership with the Scottish Government and Stewart Milne Homes and with the support of Aberdeenshire Council.

Mr Scott said: “The 30 new homes have already made a big difference to the lives of our tenants and include a mix of family and single person properties reflecting the growing needs in the area. AHP has had an extremely busy year and this development took us over 200 completed properties in the past 12 months.”

Added the spokesperson: “Looking ahead. Mr Scott added that AHP remains intent on providing new affordable housing throughout the north east during the difficult and challenging times ahead and looks forward to working closely with our partners to continue to build good quality homes for future generations.”

John Low, managing director of Stewart Milne Homes North Scotland, commented: “We are delighted to be able to bring so many more quality, affordable homes to the market. It is extremely encouraging to see the Scottish Government’s initiative working so successfully, for all those involved, and delivering such significant results.

“As a housebuilder, affordable housing is an integral element of our business and the communities in which we operate.

“Over the past few years, Stewart Milne Homes has developed long-standing and successful relationships with organizations such as AHP, with which we have delivered over 200 affordable homes to date.

“We will continue to work closely with these partners, local councils and the Scottish Government, to enable us to produce the quality, affordable homes the market requires.”

ENDS

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Contact: Debbie Standen
Phone: 0131 470 3400
Email: debbie.standen@porternovelli.co.uk
Website: http://www.stewartmilne.com