A new £1.5 million affordable housing development in the village of Killearn by Rural Stirling Housing Association has seen all twelve homes handed over to tenants.
The homes, built by Mactaggart and Mickel, comprise a mix of one, two and three-bed properties and form part of a larger private development. Planning conditions required that a third of all properties in the development had to be affordable homes for rent.
Local MSP Bruce Crawford formally opened the homes at the Aitken Street and Wilson Crescent development. He said, “These are efficient and affordable homes that meet our modern standards of living needs. I have always been hugely impressed by the quality of homes that are built for RSHA tenants right across my constituency and there can be no doubt that in terms of quality these homes – for individuals and families to live in – are right up there with the best.”
Association chairperson Margaret Vass added, “It is something very special to be able to provide much needed affordable homes. I am very pleased that our new tenants have strong local connections as it is very important to us that local people can access homes in their own area. Hidden homelessness is a particular problem in rural areas and these new homes will help alleviate this.”
The properties are finished in white render with grey tiled roofs. They all feature a sustainable air source heat pump heating system.
Jamie McLean, head of contracts and timber systems at Mactaggart & Mickel said, “This is the first new development in Killearn delivering much-needed quality affordable housing and our first partnership with Rural Stirling Housing Association. We are very sensitive to the local area and worked closely with the local community council. We have given careful consideration to make most of the beautiful setting, including using the stone from the site to create a traditional stone dyke wall to the entrance of the site and a boundary, very much in keeping with the area. We are looking forward to strengthening the relationship with Rural Stirling and hope to work with them in projects in future including other nearby areas like Drymen.”
The development was funded with a £1,026,144 Scottish Government housing grant and £544,063 from the housing association’s private finance.
