Published on:
12
September 2013
Planning permission for 48 socially rented homes to be built on the site of the former Alva Academy has been granted after councillors unanimously backed the proposal.
Earlier this year the Council took action to stimulate the local economy including marketing the development of the former Alva Academy site in Queen Street. This led to developer Tigh Grian Limited buying the land from the Council after securing £2.2million-worth of Scottish Government funding through the Greener Homes Innovation Scheme.
Housing, Health and Care Convenor Councillor Les Sharp said: "I'm delighted that this housing development has been given the go ahead. In the long term it will assist both the economic development and regeneration of the town of Alva and the wider area of Clackmannanshire. Our support for this development demonstrates our commitment to increasing the number of houses available for rent in our communities."
Tigh Grian Limited are keen to roll-out the environmentally innovative technology and construction methods in delivering a larger affordable social housing project in partnership with a Link and Paragon Housing Associations in Alva.
The development will consist of 16 one-bedroomed cottage flats, 24 two-bedroomed houses and 8 three bedroomed houses.
Enterprise and Environment Convenor Councillor Donald Balsillie added: "I'm particularly pleased that these will be energy efficient, affordable housing, using modern methods of off site construction. As well as bringing additional funding into Clackmannanshire to provide an extra 48 social rented homes, it will help develop knowledge and experience to reduce fuel poverty and greenhouse gas emissions in the future."
The committee heard that a footpath between Courthill and Duke Street is to be re-routed through the housing development. The report also pointed out that the number of parking spaces provided is in excess of that required for low cost housing.