THE Council’s proposals for its delivery of affordable housing across the Shire are up for discussion at tomorrow’s meeting of the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee.
The Strategic Housing Impact Report gives an insight into the state of the property market in the North East, where average house prices are now £212,037 compared to a Scottish average of £210,382. After a period of stagnation, according to the report, the housing sector in Aberdeen City is is seeing growth with a 9.8% year on year increase.
Meanwhile, the ongoing skills and labour shortage within the construction industry and the availability of labour is noted as challenging, with bricklayers, stonemasons, mechanical and electrical installers in
peak demand.
There is a growing need for one-bedroomed properties. And larger family homes are in demand but suffer from a slow turnover – only eight four bedroomed homes changed hands in the entire Shire in the last year.
Housing targeting homeless people, essential workers and those with particular housing needs is discussed in the report – and some 15% of all new affordable homes to be developed as Particular Needs housing, with 10% of this number to be wheelchair accessible.
Future of affordable housing in Stonehaven – Ury Estate
A second appendix to the Strategy document shows the Shire’s proposed developments going forward to 2030, with a total of 1879 units on the cards
It would appear that for Stonehaven, the local authority is pinning its hopes on FM Ury together with Hillcrest starting construction at Mackie Village in 2026/27. Three phases of housing is noted, with a total of 91 units due for completion by 2028/29.
But first there is a road to be built.
The Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee meets in the Viewmount Chamber tomorrow morning (Tuesday September 24) at 9.30am. Members of the public are welcome to attend – a note on the door gives details of how to access the building.
The full agenda and associated reports are online.
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