THE Highland Council has announced plans to build 3,300 affordable homes by 2028 to support the growth of the area.
Members of the local authority’s housing and property committee approved the draft housing and investment plan 2023-2028 for submission to the Scottish Government. The plan states that good quality affordable homes are ‘crucial’ to the growth of the Highland economy and the sustainability of communities.
The area’s housing register currently has 9,000 applicants recorded, which the council said demonstrates the ‘substantial’ demand and pressure of the supply of affordable homes across the Highlands.
The 2023-2028 SHIP has been prepared on the basis that it will be possible to approve at least 500 units with a target of 660 properties each year, of which 70% will be for affordable rent and 30% for intermediate affordable housing, this is in line with overall Scottish Government targets.
Housing and property committee chair, councillor Glynis Sinclair, said, “Demand to live and develop business opportunities across the Highlands is at a record high, yet access to affordable housing can be a stumbling block for those wishing to take up employment, study or to remain in the area. Over the next five years, The Highland Council, alongside its partners, will continue to work to build a portfolio of affordable housing stock.
“A key element to delivering more affordable homes is the availability of land suitable for development. Preparing sites for development has long been recognised as vital to the successful delivery of affordable homes, with many of the recently completed projects only possible due to landbank purchases. A continued strategy for development will enable greater certainty when progressing the Strategic Housing Investment Plan.
“The funding support from the Scottish Government, and The Highland Hub membership is a good example of the collaborative approach taken by the Council and partners and will help contribute to meet housing needs across Highland.”
