TENANTS in Old Plean have been handed the keys to 24 new homes following an investment of almost £6.5 million by Stirling Council and the Scottish Government.
Built by Carmichael Homes, the properties are located off Main Street and are a mix of wheelchair standard three-bedroom bungalows, as well as two, three, and four-bedroom properties.
Stirling Council said the homes ‘are among the most technically advanced’ to be constructed in the Stirling area. The heating is provided by air source heat pumps and each home features solar panels and battery storage systems, as well as environmental sensors and automatic fire suppression systems.
Councillor David Wilson, convener of the community wellbeing and housing committee at Stirling Council, said, “These new homes are among the most energy efficient we’ve ever delivered and rank among the best in Scotland, with exceptional insulation and a zero emissions heating system providing high levels of sustainability. Not only does the design and construction benefit the environment through a reduction in carbon emissions, tenants will also get warm, comfortable homes with more economical running costs for heating and hot water.
“We have also delivered homes that meet the need for family sized accessible housing, with two wheelchair standard bungalows and six four bedroom homes, each with a bedroom on the ground floor. With over 3,000 households on the council’s housing list, it is important for the council and local housing associations to continue to develop more affordable new properties to meet the needs of our communities.”
Scott Carmichael, MD of Carmichael Homes, added, “Stirling Council has a proactive and collaborative approach to affordable housing delivery and it was a pleasure to work with their teams. We are particularly proud to have completed 24 new affordable homes using pioneering techniques to help tackle fuel poverty for future residents.
“Sophisticated technical solutions, such as large array PV panels, electric storage batteries, exceptional insulation and robust detailing have ensured that the new homes achieve some of the highest rated EPCs, sustainability standards and energy efficiency levels in Scotland. We look forward to working with Stirling Council in the future on more projects as a trusted partner.”
