MORE than £4million is expected to be invested in housing across the Wee County this financial year, elected representatives heard last week.

Clackmannanshire Council last Thursday, March 23, agreed its Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2023-28.

Developments on Lochies Road in Clackmannan, Lower Mill Street in Tillicoultry, Glentana Mill in Alva, in Pool of Muckhart as all as at Bedford Place and Carsebridge Road, both in Alloa, are among those in the plan.

In this financial year the council is expecting to spend £4.2m with projects estimated to be completed by 2023-24, representing 148 homes, including off the shelf purchases.

The Glentana Mill site in Alva could support around 40 homes with the option of a flexible community space and based on community consultation, options for multi-generational living are being explored.

This project will build on work already utilised for the dementia-friendly development at Primrose Place in Alloa.

Also part of the plan is a shadow programme of sites which would come into play if priority ones do not work out or if additional funding becomes available.

The meeting also heard about the need for specialist housing to meet the needs of a growing ageing population and people living with disabilities.

The council aims to ensure that all new social homes are suitable for those with some level of mobility difficulties whilst seven per cent should be fully adapted to meet the needs of wheelchair users.

Over the course of the SHIP at least 10 bungalows for wheelchair users are planned along with three homes for wheelchair users on Primrose Street and three on Elm Grove, Alloa.

Cllr Jane McTaggart, spokesperson for housing and property, said: “Our aim is to provide the right houses in the right location, delivering both choice and affordability.

“Our plans for new housing are ambitious and spread across the whole of Clackmannanshire so that all our communities will see the benefits.

“I recently attended an open day at Primrose Place in Alloa and was impressed by the quality of the development, so it will be fascinating to see how the other housing plans we have take shape over the coming years.

“I am sure they will be equally as impressive.”