THE first phase of a new development of council homes in Central Fife are set to be ready by spring next year.

Plans are in place for 97 homes on Lochgelly Road along from Lumphinnans Primary School.

Work started last year on the plots – which will house a mixture of two, three, four, five and six bedroom properties – however progress has stalled due to a change in plans of how the homes would be heated.

Members of the Lumphinnans Community Council were given an update on the project at a recent meeting.

Local councillor Darren Watt explained: "There has been some substantial delay because of the implementation of heat sources pumps.

"This was a change made late in the process as oppose to central heating. It is a more efficient way for the new residents to heat their home but that was why it has resulted in the delays.

"The first phase is going to be available in April. They are hoping by then, 25 homes will be fully functional."

Cllr Watt welcomed the change in plans for the heating.

"All in all, it is a new and innovative approach," he added. "There are not many schemes that have been done this way regarding the heat source pump. It is one of the first in Fife if not the first. It is exciting for Fife Council and First Endeavours.

"The development has got a knock on effect. Although there are 97 homes in Lumphinnans, that could mean that the potential knock on effect with the chain so other properties will become available elsewhere as well."

The development includes bungalows, terraced and semi-detached houses, as well as properties adapted for wheelchair users.

It is one of the final projects from Fife Council's Phase three Affordable Housing Programme which has delivered 3,500 new affordable houses across all areas of Fife; and is being built for the Council in partnership with First Endeavour LLP.