More than £1 million will be invested in bringing dilapidated properties in an area once blighted by social problems back into use.
After lying empty for years, a number of homes on Rattray’s Old Mill Road will be completely renovated and occupied by tenants again.
An urgent plea has been made to keep the area free of the social problems that once affected the neighbourhood.
Councillor Willie Robertson said he was “delighted” that the properties would return to the housing market, but urged caution in accepting tenants.
He said: “If you come to Kinross-shire and look at areas where there’s social housing, the vast majority of residents would be delighted if we excluded those with a history of anti-social behaviour, breaches of tenancy and criminal behaviour.
“We have a history of housing people in areas within our communities that aren’t suitable and it creates havoc. I would like to see this sort of thing ruled out throughout Perth and Kinross.
“Tenants have a responsibility to behave well and our officers are trying to keep order.”
Mr Robertson described problems with anti-social behaviour as “difficult and upsetting”.
Housing and health convener Dave Doogan agreed that efforts had to be made to support new residents.
He added: “What we have here is a very rare opportunity in Old Mill Road, where the properties are all vacant.
“I think the council will take account of the recent history of the area and, before we are committing so much money to it, we will make sure it doesn’t turn into the problem it became.”
The 15 properties will be made the subject of a Local Lettings Plan (LLP) for 12 months, which will prioritise those most in need of affordable housing.
It also sets out strict criteria for potential tenants and aims to exclude those with a history of anti-social behaviour, criminality or breaches of tenancy. This will apply to both applicants and anyone else who will live in the property.
The LLP also proposes to create a sustainable community, to minimise the stigmatisation of tenants and residents, to protect tenants and residents from any nuisance or anti-social behaviour coming into the area, and to create a sense of community and pride in the area.
Head of housing and strategic commissioning Lorna Cameron revealed the timescale for the renovations.
“The tender is out for contractors to carry out the work,” she said.
“The estimated start time for the work is the end of September. We will then allocate properties and work with those who will live in the neighbourhood. We expect the work to be completed by the end of March next year.”
The proposals were welcomed by Councillor Dennis Melloy, who said he “applauded” Mr Robertson’s views.
He said: “As a Blairgowrie man, I remember very clearly the families growing up in Old Mill Road.
“It saddened me greatly over the last 30 years to see it degenerating into an area where people don’t want to live because of the way the street has ended up.
“I’m frightened that, after the LLP period is over, it will go back again into the area that we don’t want to see.”
He was assured that the council will continue to review the properties and tenants to prevent any anti-social behaviour.