The first stage of a controversial development on the site of Camus House residential care home in Carnoustie begins later this month.
Gowrie Contracts Ltd of Dundee has been contracted by Angus Council to carry out the demolition works, which include the specialist removal of asbestos from the old building. The work will start on October 21.
A planning application to build 16 affordable homes for rent on the West Path site, including five family homes for ex-servicemen and their families has been submitted to Angus Council.
The five adapted properties will be developed by the council and ex-service personnel charity Houses for Heroes Scotland.
The development caused anger in the town earlier this year, when the chairman of Carnoustie Development Group, Peter Burke, said the parent carers of adults with learning difficulties had hoped they would benefit from specialised homes.
Angus Council subsequently made a commitment to assess the housing and support needs of citizens with learning disabilities to see if they might become residents on the site.
Councillor Brian Boyd also raised concerns that the adapted homes would not be used for local heroes but he has since received reassurance from the charity.
He said: “There were some people who felt that charity begins at home and there was a perception that these homes were being handed over to a national charity when there are people here who are desperate for a council house.
“I was looking for a guarantee that the homes would be used for local people. I know of at least three young people in the area who have suffered horrendous injuries from Afghanistan.
“I’ve had assurances that they will not be overlooked so they can be near their loved ones.”
The clearance of the site is expected to take around 16 weeks. Only the existing sub-station and associated out building will remain. It is hoped the 12-month construction project will start in early summer next year.
The site will accommodate eight one-bedroom single-storey houses, two two-bedroom two-storey houses, one three-bedroom two-storey house for general rent, and four two-bedroom single-storey houses for the former service personnel renters along with one three-bedroom single-storey house.