NORTH Ayrshire Council is set to give the green light to an ambitious £45 million plan to build an extra 250 council houses.

Cabinet members met today (Tuesday) to consider the bold proposal which aims to increase affordable housing provision as well as provide a shot in the arm for the North Ayrshire economy.

The council is currently on target to deliver 500 new homes over the 10-year period between 2011 and 2021.

However, Cabinet members increased that target when they met on Tuesday, by expanding the programme to deliver an additional 250 houses within the next five years.

Council Leader Joe Cullinane said: “This is a real statement of intent from the council that we want to invest in our residents and their future.

“We are all aware that many people have been priced out of the housing market so we wanted to go the extra mile to give more people the opportunity to live in a high-quality and, most importantly, affordable home.

“These new properties will provide accommodation to tenants with a range of needs, including older people and families with complex requirements.

“In addition to reducing waiting lists, this ambitious move will also make a significant contribution to the local economy through investment and jobs.”

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “This is a big commitment from the council but we’re determined to play our part in helping to reverse the decline in the availability of social housing.

“Our aim is for this house-building programme to help those who are having to rent privately as they wait for a council property to become available while also helping to tackle homelessness in our area.”

The expanded development programme will be included in the revised Strategic Housing Investment Plan, due for consideration by the Cabinet later this month.