CALEDONIA Housing Association (CHA) has welcomed housing minister Paul McLennan MSP to Guildtown, Perthshire to showcase its £6.1 million development of 43 new affordable homes.
The site benefited from £2.7 million Scottish Government funding. The minister met with Tim Goddard (CHA chair), Andrew Kilpatrick (director of assets), and members of the development team for a tour of the development alongside Jack Welch, Perth & Kinross councillor.
The minister heard about the positive impact the development has had on the local school in terms of increased pupil numbers and was shown the focus on supporting biodiversity with the inclusion of diverse planting, hedgehog highways, bat and swift boxes due to the rural location and feedback from the local community during the planning process.
He also met with resident Miss Marissa Henderson who shared details of her journey relocating to Guildtown with her son and the benefits of having the security that CHA’s tenancy’s offer provides.
The development, constructed by A&J Stephen Builders of Perth, completed in July this year.
Paul McLennan MSP said, “The right to a warm, safe and affordable home is critical to wellbeing and is a right everyone deserves. Caledonia Housing Association play a valuable role in increasing the range of housing available throughout Scotland, and I was delighted to see this development, which the Scottish Government has supported with £2.7 million of funding. This funding has enabled Caledonia Housing Association to provide 43 high quality, energy efficient homes in Guildtown.
“High quality housing is a key pillar of Housing to 2040, whilst also eradicating fuel poverty and homelessness and ensuring everyone has access to green space and essential services. Caledonia Housing Association play a key role in building high-quality homes and I welcome these new affordable houses in Perthshire.”
Tim Goddard, chair of CHA, added, “We’re thrilled to have the minister for housing take a tour around Guildtown. It is a fantastic development which demonstrates Caledonia’s commitment to developing homes and creating communities for tenants in Scotland. The additional offer of shared equity provides people and families with the opportunity to take that step on to the property market while reducing the financial pressure. It’s been a great opportunity for the Minister to see the positive impact of the investment in the area.”
Tenant Miss Marissa Henderson commented, “This is a lovely place to live and I feel privileged to be able to be here with my son. Living in this rural setting is a real pleasure.”
