The development at Murrie Court and Roy Close is a mix of semi-detached, terraced homes and flats, providing high-quality accommodation for a wide range of tenants.

The homes have been built to the highest standard by Perth & Kinross Council’s contractor GS Brown. They include energy efficiency measures such as solar panels, quality insulation and high levels of air tightness. This is to make sure tenants’ bills are kept as low as possible and the development’s carbon footprint is minimised.

Safety features such as sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and electrical surge protection devices have also been included as standard.

The development, which includes 7 three-bedroom and 17 two-bedroom homes, has been built using a Scottish Government grant of £1.64m, with the council contributing the rest of the cost.

The development was visited today by the council’s housing and social wellbeing convener, Councillor Tom McEwan, who said: “I am delighted that these homes in the rural village of Methven have been completed and are ready for new tenants to move in. The development will help to address the housing needs of different types of tenants in a rural location where there is high demand for accommodation.

“I’m particularly pleased to see the high level of energy efficiency that has been built into the homes. As a council and as a Housing Service, we are committed to minimising the environmental impact of everything we do. The efficient heating systems, top-grade insulation and solar panels included in the homes will help tenants reduce their energy use.

“As well as providing high-quality, energy-efficient homes, this fantastic new development will add vibrancy to life in the village of Methven, supporting the local community and economy.”

A second phase of the development is already underway, which will provide an additional 12 houses for affordable rent featuring air source heat pump heating.

Daryl Brown of GS Brown Construction added: “We are delighted to have provided more social housing to Perth & Kinross Council. Being a local company, it is always fulfilling to help our local community. We would like to thank everyone at the council who have helped with this project and we look forward to working together on the next 12 social houses at Methven and future projects.”

The Methven project is part of Perth & Kinross Council’s ongoing multi-million-pound new build housing programme, which has seen over 400 new council homes built for tenants since 2012.

The council’s house building programme has delivered new homes for affordable social rent in towns and settlements right across the region, including Methven, Scone, Abernethy, Alyth, Inchture, Stanley, Blairgowrie, Meigle, Auchterarder, Balbeggie, Rattray and in many sites in Perth.