Westhill and District councillor, Iris Walker has welcomed the announcement that a new company run by Aberdeenshire Council will be delivering affordable homes in Westhill.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Social Work & Housing Committee on Thursday approved proposals to implement “Create Homes Aberdeenshire” which would see mid-market rental properties being built across Aberdeenshire. The first development is anticipated to consist of 12 units for handover at the end of June, in Westhill, with a further 12 units by August 2015.

Councillor Walker said “By the end of this month, Aberdeenshire Council will have completed 30 new units at Broadshade, Westhill – the first “real” council houses in the town for many years and some tenants have already settled in. These, along with the additional mid-market properties through Create Homes Aberdeenshire will make a very welcome addition to the stock of rented accommodation in Westhill. There is a high percentage of home ownership in Westhill and house prices remain high. We want our town to be inclusive. As well as having a settled community, we have a fluid, young workforce, so renting for many is ideal. I am very keen to raise the profile of renting and to make sure that housing meets the needs and aspirations of all parts of our community”.