South Ayrshire Council has approved proposals for affordable homes in Girvan which will see 12 new flats bought and available for rent.

The flats, situated at North Park will include six that provide easy access for people with mobility issues.

A fund of £1.1 million was agreed to buy the flats following an approach by local developer, Craig Hunter.

The council has ambitious targets to deliver 1,000 new affordable homes by 2022/23, with the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) setting out a broad-range of activity including public and private sector partnership projects.

The development includes eight two-bedroom flats, and four one-bedroom flats.

The acquisition would be funded by Scottish Government subsidies (£684,000), Council Tax from second homes (£416,000) and South Ayrshire Council (legal costs of £2,500), with no additional borrowing required.

Councillor Philip Saxton, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Wellbeing, said the development would be good for Girvan: “We’re committed to increasing the number of affordable and warm homes for those on limited incomes and helping reduce poverty and disadvantage across South Ayrshire.

“This positive development will provide a real boost for the people of Girvan, delivering a number of modern, energy efficient homes. With half the properties being on the ground level, we’re helping to increase the availability of flats for people who need easy access to their homes, which will make life much easier for them.

“This project plays an important role in our wider goals of creating 1,000 new affordable properties in the next five years and we’ll continue to work with our partners to build on our momentum and deliver for local communities.”