Published on:
14
October 2016
Residents in Clackmannanshire have benefitted from the highest number of affordable housing completions since 1997, a report to the Council revealed (13 October).
Since 2012 a total of around 370 houses have been, or are being added to the affordable housing stock. New build completions account for 191 of the total, along with 80 'off the shelf' purchases'. Included in the total are 130 units which could be added in the next financial year, with 40 units completed to date and 48 on site in Alva. It is hoped a further 42 can be acquired through off the shelf purchase.
The report showed that the spend on affordable housing in 2015/16 was £2,294,807 and included developments at Delph Road Tullibody and Ann Street Tillicoultry. The budget from the Scottish Government for 2016/17 is £3.654 million, and the Council has developed a strong plan to take advantage of this increase. Planned developments include the building of 35 units in Clackmannan as part of investment by the Falkirk Pension Fund and 12 units at Todd's Yard Sauchie delivered by Ochil View Housing Association.
There are also other affordable housing sites being funded over and above the main programme. In Alva where developers Tigh Grian is working with Link and Paragon Housing Associations to build 48 highly efficient green homes. At the Glen development in Coalsnaughton, phase 2 is starting on site to complete a further 14 units for mid market rent
Environment & Housing Spokesperson Cllr Kathleen Martin said: "It is important that good quality affordable housing is provided for Clackmannanshire residents, and this impressive programme shows just how much has already been built and how many developments are under construction or being planned. Having spoken to some of the delighted new tenants, I know how delighted they are with their new homes. Well done to everyone involved in delivering these homes, and I look forward to seeing the continued delivery of these much needed properties in the year ahead."