Building Briefs – August 19th

• Housing minister welcomed to new Borders site

During the tour last week the minster was shown around the interiors and exteriors of the site and given information on the benefits of the Extra Care Housing service.  

Rhona McLeod, CEO, Trust Housing, said: “We’re very proud of our new build at Duns, it will provide modern and energy efficient homes for those who will live here. The site commenced in January 2019 and will be completed by July 2020, providing much needed housing for older people in Duns.

“There will be 30 one and two-bedroom Extra Care Flats and 19 one and two bed Amenity houses. Our innovative Extra Care housing service supports tenants to live independently, with the care and support of Trust staff 24 hours a day. A meal service and social activities will also be available to promote community living.”

Gill Henry, business development director, Hart Builders, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kevin Stewart MSP on site today to see how we are working in partnership with Trust Housing Association to build new homes that will enable older people to live independently for longer. The 49 high-quality homes provide 19 self-contained bungalows alongside the two-storey extra care flats and communal facilities, which all residents will be able to enjoy and benefit from.”

Mr Stewart added: “I’m pleased the Scottish Government has been able to support the building of 49 new accessible flats and houses developed by Trust Housing Association through an investment of £3.8 million. These units will be a welcome addition to Duns and give more people the opportunity to have a home that meets their needs and which are built to a high standard.

“Making sure everyone has a safe, warm and affordable place to call home is central to this Government’s drive for a fairer, more prosperous Scotland. This development will also help us achieve our ambitious target of delivering 50,000 new affordable homes by 2021.”

• Initial site plans and building layouts on show for new Inverness primary school

The Highland Council is conducting a two-stage pre-application consultation on a planning development proposal for a new primary school at Ness Castle, Inverness. 

The first of two drop-in sessions was held in June and people living in the catchment area for the proposed new school are now invited to the second session.

This will take place on Wednesday 21st August 2019 at Holm Primary School from 14.30 to 19.30.

As well as the general concepts for the proposed development from the first session, there will also be initial site plans and building layouts on display.

Members of the public can make comments on the proposals. Comments received from this pre-application consultation may be incorporated into the design development prior to submitting a planning application.

The display information from the session will be published on The Highland Council website in due course along with a form that can be used to submit feedback.

The first phase of the new school is scheduled to open in August 2021.