New development uses energy efficient heating scheme.
Servite Housing Association's new development at Padanaram, near Forfar, was officially opened by Scottish Minster for Housing and Communities, Alex Neil. The development, which consists of 20 properties, offers a mixture of cottages and family housing for rent and also for purchase via the shared equity scheme.
The development cost £2.5 million to build, funded by £1.5 million from the Scottish Government. This allowed Servite to keep the rented properties and the shared equity sales prices at affordable levels. The properties have proved to be extremely popular, and despite delays in the construction are welcome additions to the area.
Servite were able to secure almost half the installation costs for the development from Forestry Commission grants. In line with the demand for improved energy efficiency the development boasts a 'Biomass' district heating scheme, served by a central plant room which uses woodchips to provide all the heating and hot water for the properties.
Julie Cosgrove, Servite Chief Executive, said: "The opening of St Ninian's Road, Padanaram, with its excellent layout and highly desirable houses, is a step forward for Servite and a boost for housing in general in rural Angus, especially in the current economic climate, and we are delighted to have worked with another local contractor to turn what was fallow ground into a valuable resource of affordable housing that will benefit the village for many years to come."
