Housing in Moray: Praise for affordable homes in Tomintoul
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Keys to a dozen new affordable homes on a formerly derelict site in Tomintoul have been handed over to the tenants.
To build the homes the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust purchased, demolished and redeveloped the village's former secondary school which had previously lain abandoned for more than two decades.
The properties have been allocated to people with a strong connection to the Tomintoul and Glenlivet area and are protected from being used as holiday lets or second homes.
Tilly Smith, the trust's chairperson, stated that a survey five years ago had identified the lack of affordable homes as a major issue.
She said: "This project represents a huge boost for our community. The trust has worked tirelessly upon the community’s behalf on this regeneration project. We’re delighted to finally see houses become homes."
With a mix of two and three bedrooms, the new homes are energy efficient and feature some of the latest renewable technology, such as air source heat pumps, solar panels and Sunamp thermal batteries.
Oliver Giles, the trust's operations manager, labelled the process of getting them built as "challenging but rewarding".
He added: "We’ve faced challenges over increasing construction industry costs, labour shortages and, of course, natural factors such as the weather.
"The development is a huge credit to the trust board who have directed a large, complex project with skill and dedication. As with everything the trust does, we rely on good cross-sector partnership working, supportive funders and, most importantly, the support of our members and wider community."
To make the project happen the trust secured £2.5million from various sources.
These included the Scottish Government, Scottish Land Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Social Investment Scotland, Community Renewable Energy Scotland and the Dorenell Windfarm Community Benefit Fund.
Working in partnership with the Communities Housing Trust, Alpha Projects was appointed to complete the development.
Despite the challenging economic climate, the project has been delivered on time and to the agreed budget.
Fiona Robb, from HIE's Moray team said: "The availability of affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing regional development across the Highlands and Islands. It’s essential to enable families to remain in the area and to attract new talent.
"Housing is also a vital factor in enabling local businesses to grow and create new jobs, as people need somewhere to live."
Three of the new properties have additional workspaces in order to help people set up small businesses within their homes.
Dr Gaener Rodger, convener of the Cairngorm Park Authority’s planning committee, said: "It's great to see the houses built and occupied.
"We need more affordable housing in the national park and now have very progressive policies in place to help make this happen. This includes our Partnership Plan target of at least 75% of new housing being for social rental, mid-market rental or other affordable categories by 2030.
"The leadership shown in Tomintoul by the local development trust is a great example to other communities of what can be done to develop assets in their areas.
"Congratulations to all involved in this impressive scheme."
The housing development is part of the trust's regeneration plan for the Tomintoul and Glenlivet area.
This also includes a programme of community events, marketing its international dark sky status and a touring-style campsite in time for the 2024 summer season.
Ronnie MacRae, CEO of Communities Housing Trust, said: “Small community-led developments such as this one can be absolutely crucial in helping sustain rural communities – sometimes it’s the only option.
"It’s great to see the disused school site now transformed into energy-efficient homes for 12 families."
