As a result of the five-year housing plan for the Scottish Borders, 1177 affordable homes could be being built as the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) will be covering the period from 2018 to 2023 and will take a special look at local needs.
The estimate of over 1000 homes has been based specifically on anticipated funding, while also assuming that all land and infrastructure challenges that may get in the way can be resolved.
Speaking about the ambitious plans, Scottish Borders Council executive member for business and economic development Mark Rowley claimed that the new builds could help meet the local housing needs, while also leaving a very positive effect on the area.
“Clearly house-building of this scale would also have a very positive impact on the local construction sector, and in turn on jobs and the wider economy,” he said.
“The end result would provide local people with homes in Borders communities, enabling them to live and work locally. This would have a longer term positive impact on the local economy.”
In addition to this, Rowley admitted that there would be “some challenges” to be overcome, including land supply.
